13 Facts About Noise Pollution That Will Blow Your Mind

Have you ever wondered how the sounds around you might affect your well-being? While a blaring horn, loud television, or distant drilling might seem like momentary annoyances, the broader impact of noise pollution is far-reaching and, at times, pretty scary. That’s why we compiled a list of the most mind-blowing facts about noise pollution. Check them out!

Man holding hands over ears from noise.

13 Mind-Blowing Facts About Noise Pollution

Every day, we’re surrounded by a cacophony of sounds—some pleasant, some not so much. It may surprise you to learn that these sounds can greatly impact your health and the environment. Here are thirteen incredible facts about noise pollution that will change how you look at sound environments:

1. Noise Pollution Can Cause Hearing Loss

Continual exposure to high-decibel environments is not just annoying—it’s potentially dangerous. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can result from consistent loud noises over an extended period of time, and with 25% of Americans experiencing hearing issues linked to NIHL, it’s crucial to be aware of the noise pollution in your area.

2. People Have Won Lawsuits Over Excess Noise Pollution

Noise isn’t just an auditory issue; it’s a legal one, too. That’s why a bunch of Tokyo residents secured a whopping $22 million in compensation after enduring health repercussions from persistent noise pollution. This just further highlights the need for noise pollution regulation and soundproofing technology.

3. Noise Pollution Can Make You Sleepy and Deregulate Your Emotions

Those unexpected mood swings and feelings of exhaustion might not just be due to a bad night’s sleep. Chronic noise pollution can not only induce fatigue, it can also aggravate feelings of anxiety and hostility. It’s more than just sound – it’s an emotional and mental disruptor.

4. 30 Million People in the U.S. are Exposed to Dangerous Sound Levels

You read that correctly. Imagine the entire population of Texas constantly exposed to potentially harmful noise – that’s the reality for 30 million people in the U.S.

5. The #1 Cause for Hearing Loss is Noise

Age might come with wisdom, but it’s not the primary culprit behind hearing loss. Surprisingly, noise pollution takes that honor as the leading cause of hearing loss in the world. This surprising statistic underlines the importance of sound-aware living, especially for older adults.

6. 50% of Teachers Have Experienced Damage to Their Vocal Chords Due to Classroom Noise

Teaching is no easy task, and classroom noise makes it harder. The continual struggle to be heard over classroom clamor has left half of the surveyed teachers from a 2004 study with permanent vocal damage, which spotlights just one of the overlooked side effects of noise pollution.

7. Consistent Loud Noises Can Affect Children’s Development

Studies show that children are particularly susceptible to noise pollution, and chronic noise can boost their stress levels and adversely affect their psychological growth and development.

8. Around 19% of Noise-Exposed Workers Have Hearing Impairment

Workplaces aren’t always the most peaceful and tranquil places, and for nearly a fifth of noise-exposed employees, it’s led to hearing impairments. This makes occupational noise pollution not just a nuisance, but a significant health hazard that needs to be addressed.

9. Television and Radio Can Harm a Baby’s Natural Ability to Understand Sounds

For babies, every sound is a learning experience. However, excessive loud noise from TVs or radios can impede their auditory learning process, and potentially affect their linguistic development. So, it’s not untrue to say that noise can damage a baby’s brain.

10. Traffic Can Damage Your Hearing

Did you know that everyday traffic noise isn’t just a nuisance but may actually be detrimental to your health? An eye-opening study in College Park, Georgia, revealed that it also has a disturbing auditory impact: noisy traffic can damage your hearing.

11. Noise Pollution Can Increase Your Blood Pressure

Your cardiovascular system doesn’t enjoy noise pollution either. A revealing study showed direct correlations between noise pollution and fluctuating heart health metrics, adding yet another reason to seek quieter environments and acoustic solutions for your homes and businesses.

12. Noise Pollution Can Cause Chronic Headaches and Episodic Tension Headaches

A throbbing head might not just be about stress or fatigue. Persistent noise pollution can manifest physically in the form of debilitating chronic and episodic tension headaches, signaling our body’s disapproval of noisy surroundings.

13. Noise Pollution Can Cause Memory Loss and Reading Impairments in Children

According to a study by New Scientist, noise doesn’t discriminate by age. Children near noisy environments like airports face cognitive challenges, with some displaying memory and reading issues. This only further illustrates the importance of quiet and peaceful surroundings for young minds.

Reduce Noise Pollution in Your Home or Business with Acoustical Solutions

Combating noise pollution isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Here are a few types of products from Acoustical Solutions that you can use to combat this pesky problem:

Sound Barriers

Think of sound barriers as protective walls against noise. They effectively block out undesirable sounds, to help ensure that your space remains calm and quiet.

Sound Blankets

Beyond their cozy appeal, sound blankets are engineered to absorb sound, and act as buffers against auditory intrusions. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as sound barriers, but they’re super affordable and they get the job done.

Door and Window Solutions

Specialized door and window installations can reduce external noise significantly, to help ensure that you maintain the perfect interior sound environment, and with the right products, you can completely transform your space.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by noise? It’s time to act before you experience serious hearing issues. Contact us today to learn more!