International Noise Awareness Day

Today is the 23rd Annual International Noise Awareness Day (INAD). The yearly event was founded by the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) in 1996 to encourage people to do something about distressing noise where they work, live and play.

What’s the problem with unwanted noise?

In the short term, noise can cause stress which can be detrimental to your health. And in the long term, loud noise can cause hearing loss.

Adults may have the greatest concerns about dealing with noise, but children can suffer just as much.

This year the focus of INAD is to encourage communities to “Protect Their Hearing, Protect Their Health”.

Continuous exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. But research shows that even below that threshold, noise can bring about physiological changes. Blood pressure elevation, sleep and digestion problems, and other stress-related disorders are linked to environmental noise.

This year the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is spearheading a special effort to increase awareness of the importance of creating quiet home, school and recreational environments. Nancy Nadler, Assistant Executive Director at CHC said, “It’s time to address the threat that noise poses to hearing, health, learning and behaviour.”

Take action

Things you can do to help prevent poor health due to excessive noise:

• Pay attention to the noises you make and respect your neighbour’s right to peace and quiet
• Turn down the volume two notches on your radios and personal stereo systems with headphones
• Turn down the volume one notch on your television
• Avoid noisy sports events, restaurants, rock concerts and nightclubs unless you use hearing protection
• Replace noisy activities with quiet ones such as taking a walk, visits to libraries and museums
• Wear adequate hearing protection if you must be in a noisy environment (the underground, mowing the lawn)
• Turn off the television during dinner and have a quiet conversation instead
• Get a free hearing screening
• Spread the word about the danger of noise

If you’re concerned about noise in your community or workplace go to:

NHS Choices - 5 ways to prevent hearing loss

Health and Safety Executive - Noise at work

Center for Hearing and Communication - International Noise Awareness Day