What Is the Relationship Between Health and Acoustics?
Health is our most valuable resource. Nothing else matters more, and when our health deteriorates, all other problems take a back seat.
Scientific evidence shows that prolonged exposure to disturbing noise can undermine both mental and physical health and contribute to increased stress levels.
This means that noise can cause not only discomfort but also potentially serious health problems.
“Acute exposure to noise affects the functions of the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal system, leading to temporary effects such as an increased heart rate, vasoconstriction and a consequent rise in blood pressure, changes in blood viscosity and blood lipid levels, and alterations in electrolyte balance.
As a consequence of prolonged noise exposure, the most susceptible individuals in the population may develop permanent health conditions, such as hypertension and ischaemic heart disease, potentially leading to myocardial infarction.
Noise is recognised as a cause of irritability, fatigue, headaches, impaired sleep quality and reduced performance. More generally, it can lead to a range of physical and psychological effects collectively known as annoyance. In children, a reduction in learning abilities and cognitive performance has also been documented.”
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