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<\/h2>\nWhat sounds drive you crazy? Maybe it\u2019s your neighbor\u2019s barking dog, the TV blaring in the living room, or the construction across the street. Did you know that not only can loud background noises annoy you, but they can also impact your health? We review the effects of noise pollution below.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution is excessive noise that seriously harms human health and interferes with people\u2019s daily activities. It is sometimes referred to as the \u201cmodern unseen plague.\u201d Another way to think of it is as secondhand sound, similar to secondhand smoke.<\/p>\n
The type of noise pollution you experience will vary based on your area, where you work and how you commute. Some common sources include:<\/p>\n
Health impacts of noise pollution can be mental as well as physical.<\/p>\n
Your brain is always monitoring the sounds in your environment for signs of danger, including during sleep. Frequent or loud noises can trigger anxiety or stress, causing you to feel irritable, frustrated or angry. This can be magnified if there\u2019s nothing you can do to control the noises.<\/p>\n
Noise pollution can also cause sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, inability to stay asleep and waking up too early, which can exacerbate mental health issues.<\/p>\n
Constant exposure to loud noises can cause a range of hearing problems, including hearing loss<\/a>, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (sound sensitivity).<\/p>\n Indirectly, noise pollution can also contribute to other health conditions, such as raised blood pressure, increased blood viscosity and higher rates of cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n Some strategies you can employ to reduce noise pollution and protect your health include:<\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an appointment<\/a>, call Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy<\/span> today.<\/p>\nHow Can I Protect Myself from Noise Pollution?<\/h2>\n
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