Noise and its influence on human health

Abstract

Noise pollution can affect human health and have an influence on daily life on people. Being an unpleasant sound, noise is defined as unwanted sound which can cause auditory and non-auditory effects on human health. Apart from the exposure of noise in the workplace and its consecutive effects, noise as an exogenous stressor in everyday life has a various potential negative impacts on human health, both temporary or permanent. Occupational noise exposure mostly causes hearing loss and tinnitus among workers. The potential negative health effects of noise pollution include psychological distress, sleep disturbances, higher incidence of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Also, noise exposure may be associated with an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, headache, and pulmonary diseases, with possible effects of noise in health centers and hospitals on medical staff and patients. Noise pollution can have specific negative influence on sensitive humans, such as autistic and elderly people. Implementation of the different strategies and educational programs can reduce potential negative effects of noise on human health.