Noise pollution – it’s an interesting word combination. Pollution means, that some substance is harmful and poisonous. Noise is simply what we hear. Can something we hear be bad for us? Is it possible that the level of noise around us, have an impact on how we feel? Can sound kill you?

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Malte Wingen on Unsplash

What is noise pollution?

According to Britannica Encyclopedia, ‘Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality.’ It is basically the sound around us, that have a negative impact on us and the environment.

It is not as much about what the annoying coworker is saying or about the irritating comments of your mother-in-law (that’s the topic for another article). When talking about noise pollution, we simply focus on the level of noise, not the meaning of it.

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash

How does noise pollution impact our health?

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), noise pollution is a real problem and it affects our health. Some of the diseases associated with exposure to noise (either prolonged or excessive) include cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, tinnitus, and annoyance. Noise pollution is also associated with obesity and diabetes.

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Oleg Laptev on Unsplash

When you are constantly exposed to noise, your body tries to protect itself. The good, old ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in, releasing all sorts of hormones and triggering physiological changes in your body, without you even realising. Even though noise pollution isn’t the life-threatening situation, your body starts to think it is. That’s when it overreacts.

The new Noise app introduced with the launch of the New Apple iWatch series 5

As it states on apple.com‘Safe from sound. Noise can rise to levels that may impact your hearing without your even realizing it. The new Noise app senses when the roar of the crowd or the rumble of machinery reaches a level that may pose a risk. So you can step out or plug up to give your ears a needed break.’

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears. 1

Well, if Apple is supporting this, then it must be a big deal.

Now, seriously – it is very good that such a big player from a tech industry is putting the attention to the noise. This might save many ears and improve quality of life for many more.

Can sound kill you?

Well, apparently anything can kill you, when the dose is high enough. As for the sound, it seems that about 185 to 200 decibels its enough to kill you. At least in theory. Although you would have to stand right in front of the sound source for that to happen, as sound dissipates.

Loud noise of above 100 decibeles is enough to cause permanenet hearing loss.

What are the main sources of noise pollution?

The obvious suspects, like traffic noise, planes, construction sites or your neighbour’s lawn mowers are the first to be blamed. But there is more. Think of all the noises inside your own home. The coffee machine, the vacuume cleaner, shower, air conditioning, washing machine, toilets, computers, TV and radio, slamming doors, barking dog…All of the sudden you realise you are surrounded by noise. You go to work, school, shopping mall – there are sounds following you everywhere. But don’t panic just yet.

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Robert Gramner on Unsplash

Can we do something about noise pollution?

Shush! That’s for the start. Follow Gandhi’s advise:

If you want to change the world, start with yourself’.

M. Gandhi

Analyze the world you live in and see if there is some space for improvement when it comes to noise pollution. Simple things, like listening to music more quietly, or turning down the TV, might help you and people around you. Perhaps try to make your home more Hygge. Your body and mind will thank you for this.

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash

Changing the way cities are designed is another way to combat noise pollution. Smart manover with tall buildings can act as a noise protection. Investing in better road surfaces and implementing designs that offer more quiet spaces can also help. There is plenty of work to do for architects and designers. Cities must be build in a smart way, also from noise perspective.

On the larger scale noise pollution control must be introduced and implemented by governments (if not already in place).

Conclusion

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears.
Photo by Joao Tzanno on Unsplash

The real issue lies in the fact, that noise pollution is still not being taken seriously enough. While other types of pollution, for example, air pollution, is being treated very seriously, with appropriate laws being passed by governments to prevent it, noise pollution has still very little awareness. We must realize that everything around us, noise included, has an impact on our well-being. It is our responsibility to design the world around us in such a way to minimize the negative impact of noise pollution.

Do you think your environment is too loud? What’s your take on this problem? Let us know in the comments below.

Noise pollution - Can sound kill you? Find out how the new Noise app on Apple iWatch series 5 can help to protect your ears. 2