You may be tempted to shrug off noise pollution as a minor inconvenience. After all, it doesn’t damage your respiratory organs the way air pollution does.Unfortunately, it can have serious long-term effects on your health. Thus, it is important to learn how to avoid noise pollution in your home and at your workplace.
Why Is Noise Pollution Dangerous?
It has a number of effects on your health, such as:
- Hearing loss. Noise pollution causes the sensory hairs in your middle ear to lose sensitivity.
- Disrupted sleep. If you’re unable to make it through the night without waking up due to noise, then your metabolism and immunity will suffer the consequences. This can cause heart disease as well.
- A source of stress. Experts have proved that noise pollution disrupts concentration and makes people irritable.
How to Avoid Noise Pollution at Home?
If you live near a constant source of noise, such as an airport or a nightclub, it might have already impacted your health.
So here are some ways of protecting yourself:
- Invest in noise-canceling earphones or earplugs. Wax and silicone earplugs are your best bet.
- Sound-proof your home. Hardwood floors, cork wall panels, and triple-pane windows can help keep unwanted noise out. But if you’re looking for a more affordable solution, try window sealing. Many people also get good results from gluing carpet to their walls.
- Stay someplace quiet, even if it’s just temporary. A lot of the damage from noise pollution comes from unceasing exposure to noise. Going out for a short while will decrease your stress levels, and it may also help reverse hearing loss.
How to Avoid Noise Pollution at Work?
Many workers are exposed to noise pollution at their jobs, as it isn’t always possible to avoid it. However, getting good noise-canceling earphones is a good first step in many cases. Quieter equipment may be available as well.
Conclusion
You should do all you can to minimize your exposure to noise pollution. After all, it will protect your health and your hearing in the long term.
