Physiological effect
If sound waves consist of regular vibrations it is often judged to be pleasing, whereas
random wave forms are experienced as noise. Excessive noise results in hearing becoming
dull and decreased hearing sensitivity. This effect is at first temporary and should the
person remain in a quiet environment their hearing soon recovers. Exposure to very loud
noise or repeated exposure to more moderate noise may result in permanent hearing loss.
Induced hearing loss can be prevented but can never be cured. The danger is that a person
may not perceive the noise to be a problem, but may already have experienced hearing loss.Psychological
effects
Noise can create a stress response in humans, affecting the endocrine, nervous, digestive,
and cardiovascular systems. Adaptation and habituation can occur, but prolonged exposure
may lead to any of the diseases of adaptation, including digestive and cardiovascular
problems (Veitch, 1995).
Noise that affects feelings and reactions has a psychological effect on humans. This
normally occurs at noise levels that do not cause a physical effect. Annoyance, stress and
hypertension are symptoms of the psychological impacts of noise pollution.
Communication
Noise levels interfere dramatically with communication that may often lead to a loss in
productivity.
Tiredness & Headaches
Tiredness and headache can often be traced back to exposure to continuous unpleasant noise
levels.
Occupational noise
This can result in tiredness, headaches, reduced productivity, and in severe cases can
result in prolonged hearing loss. The effect however is related to factors such as the
loudness, pitch, predictability, and controllability of the noise as well as the age,
gender and exposure duration of the person affected (Veitch, 1995).
Traffic
The existence of noise at potentially harmful levels has been documented as resulting from
automobiles and buses, from rail traffic and from aircraft. Transportation noise is
particularly disturbing because it is ever present in large urban areas; it is
uncontrollable, loud and unpredictable. Ambient noise levels in apartments near rail
systems can reach the 80 to 100 dB range, and noise levels near freeways in third floor
apartments have been recorded at 90dB.
Community noise
According to Veitch, the general impact of noise includes headaches, irritability,
insomnia, the reduction in sexual desire and loss of appetite. Veitch concluded that this
trend has been present during the past 20 years. Veitch (1996) highlighted the following
studies as proof of the impact of community noise.
Study |
Results |
| Ward & Suedfeld, 1973 |
Tension, uncertainty and faster
talking |
| Damon, 1977 |
Greater arrest rate, decreased
likelihood of caring for the area’s surroundings |
| Appleyard & Lintell, 1972 |
Decrease in informal interaction
amongst neighbours |
| Cohen, Evant, Krantz, &
Stokols, 1980 |
Poor scholastic performance |
| Cohen, et al. 1980 |
Elevated blood pressure |
| Veitch, 1996 |
60% of 18-19yr olds show a
noise-induced hearing loss |
| Further, Ayres and Hughes, 1986 |
Impairment of visual acuity by
the presence of loud music |
| Thiessen, 1988 |
Negligible impact on sleep |
