The impacts of chronic noise exposure extend far beyond mere annoyance. The human body, constantly monitoring sounds for signs of danger, even during sleep, releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when subjected to persistent noise. This physiological stress response is linked to a cascade of severe health issues:

Cardiovascular Disease: Long-term exposure to sounds above 65 decibels (dB) during the day significantly increases the risk of hypertension, high blood pressure, and ischemic heart disease, contributing to thousands of premature deaths annually in Europe alone.

Sleep Disturbances: Nighttime noise levels exceeding 40 dB disrupt normal sleep patterns and quality, leading to chronic fatigue, mood swings, and a higher risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and depression.

Cognitive Impairment: Children exposed to high noise levels near schools or airports exhibit slower development of working memory and attention, and score lower in reading and memory tests.

Mental Health Issues: Continuous unwanted sound is associated with increased anxiety, irritability, and general psychological distress, with some studies showing a potential link between high noise levels and the use of antidepressant medication.

The Echoes in the Ecosystem

The natural world, which relies heavily on sound for survival, is equally vulnerable. Anthropogenic (human-made) noise disrupts the delicate acoustic balance of ecosystems: