NOISE STRESS

Definition

Many studies have demonstrated the impact of noise on physical and mental well-being. One very comprehensive study by the World Health Organization looked at many potential health problems, including stress and mental and physiological problems. Socio-economic factors also contribute to stress, which makes it difficult to isolate the impact of noise. While noise definitely contributes to stress, irritability, and hypertension, or high blood pressure, we cannot conclusively say that it causes it.

Treatment

There are many causes of stress. If you are suffering from stress, you should see a medical professional. Stress can be reduced simply by reducing exposure to noise. It may be worth trying earplugs or ear muffs if you suffer from stress due to excessive or unpleasant noise in your environment.

References

1. Noise: A Health Problem, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Office of Noise Abatement and Control, Washington, DC, 20460, August 1978.
3. World Health Organization, Community Noise, Edited by Birgitta Berglund & Thomas Lindvall Stockholm, Sweden, 1995.
4. Production Sound Report, Spring 1986, How's Your Hearing, By Dick Topham.
5. Production Sound Report, Summer 1986, How's Your Hearing, By Dick Topham.
6. Production Sound Report, Fall 1986, How's Your Hearing, By Dick Topham.
7. (c)2001 WebMD Corporation. All rights reserved. Kathryn Brown Article.
8. van Kempen EE, Kruize H, Boshuizen HC, Ameling CB, Staatsen BA, de Hollander AE.
9. The Association between Noise Exposure and Blood Pressure and Ischemic Heart Disease: A Meta-analysis.
10. Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Mar;110(3):307-17.