Many of us know that prolonged exposure to a noisy environment can lead to hearing loss. But researchers found out that noise can also affect our health in other ways.
How noise affects our health?
In several studies, it shows that regular exposure to loud noise is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and high blood cholesterol.
One research revealed that there’s a higher rate of hypertension and high blood cholesterol among workers who had a history of occupational noise exposure.
Workers who are constantly exposed to loud noise aren’t the only ones at risk for noise-related health issues. Even people living in a noisy environment can be affected by it.
A 2018 study published by the International Journal of Cardiology showed that people who are constantly exposed to environmental noise (e.g. construction vehicle engines, horns in the neighborhood) had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
Being in a noisy environment can also get into the way of your much-needed rest. For years, researchers have shown how lack of sleep can lead to obesity and consequently, to diabetes and heart disease.
Loud, noisy environments can also pose a challenge in making healthier food choices.
In a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, it shows that people tend to buy healthier food when they are in a low-noise environment.
Tuning up the noise tends to have an opposite effect on consumers. People tend to purchase unhealthy food when the volume of the noise is cranked up.
Several other studies also show that people tend to drink and eat more in a noisy environment.
Can noise also affect children’s health?
A noisy environment can have an adverse effect on children’s health.
It can interfere with the child’s speech and language development, impair learning and hearing, disrupt sleep, and cause cardiovascular issues.
Minimizing exposure to noise is one of the simplest ways you can do for your health. If your work involves the use of loud, heavy machinery, using hearing protection device can help minimize your risk of hearing loss and other noise-related health issues.
If you’re experiencing problems with your ears and/or hearing, seeing a specialist can keep it from getting worse. Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who can help you. To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 244-4396.