May 1, 2025

Ethan Huynh

11th Grade

Fountain Valley High School

Introduction

With the increase in technological innovations, coupled with a growing population, noise levels have escalated within society through urbanization. Excessive noise in these environments brings up health concerns, including hearing loss and heart disease. By recording decibel levels at different locations, researchers are able to find clear evidence indicating the danger that noise pollution presents, yet there has been a lack of efforts to combat this issue. Implementing limitations on machinery and vehicles or installing noise barriers in cities are solutions in progress that are essential to reducing health conditions related to noise levels.

Noise-Related Health Issues

Chronic noise is associated with stress and sleep loss; it may seem like a “quality of life” problem, but noise levels correlate to long-term issues such as heart disease and tinnitus. 

While blood pressure typically decreases when sleeping, disturbed sleep caused by noise prevents this. Poor quality of sleep puts more pressure on the heart and disrupts cardiovascular rhythm. There is also an association with stress hormones, specifically an increase in cortisol levels, where prolonged periods at high levels lead to health issues.

Furthermore, long-term exposure to noise can damage the cochlea, the part responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical impulses for the brain to interpret as sound. The health issues include tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and even the ability to understand sound. Even though the symptoms may only seem to be at most fatigue and headaches, limitations in work efficiency and communication have been realized also. In a 1988 study on 3rd, 6th, and 9th graders, kids who were affected by noise-induced health loss scored lower in academics and experienced a delayed social development.

Ways to Reduce Noise Levels

For most people, the common source of noise levels is headphones and earbuds, which, after long use, can cause tinnitus as mentioned previously. The World Health Organization implemented standards in 2022 regarding phone volume for Bluetooth devices, suggesting it to be between 60-85 dB. However, phones do not limit the volume and allow for levels as high as 120 dB. Besides the introduction of volume limits imposed by companies that produce the devices, users can monitor their average volume output by looking through the health app that is already installed.

Cities are currently installing barriers for major freeways to limit the noise from reaching residential neighborhoods; it aims to redirect and absorb sound waves that come from ongoing traffic. Airports have implemented quiet hours, encouraging airline operators to avoid flying between 11 PM - 7 AM to ensure rest periods for local neighborhoods. There are developments and current research being done in developing hybrid and electric jet engines, lowering the aircraft noise that it typically cause.

For urban areas, there has been a rise in “quiet spaces”, which are developed with the use of green areas. Different trees and plants absorb sound better than others, and through building barriers, it can decrease the noise that comes onto pedestrians and businesses, especially in major cities. Since 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working to place restrictions on manufacturing equipment and motors/engines to help combat the sound that typically comes out of them. It has so far resulted in limits on noise for trucks and motorcycles, which have helped deal with noise emissions. 

Conclusion

The findings presented on prolonged high levels of noise emphasize the health risks that come with it. The exposure has been scientifically linked to heart issues, hearing loss, and higher levels of stress hormones, which stretch beyond the discomfort that most people report. However, it is an issue that is not addressed properly; current solutions of noise barriers, quiet hours and spaces in cities, and sound limitations on devices and equipment demonstrate the possibility to reduce noise pollution. With aid from government bodies, policies can be passed to help minimize the exposure and protect the health of citizens. Addressing noise levels is a necessary step towards preventing long-term health issues and building safer conditions for society as it urbanizes.