Noise is an omnipresent phenomenon in our modern society and is increasingly recognised as a serious health problem. Whether in the city, at work or even in rural areas, sources of noise are almost unavoidable. But how exactly does noise affect health? What are the consequences of long-term exposure to noise and when does noise become dangerous for people? Above all, how can we effectively protect ourselves from noise?

How does noise affect health?

Noise affects health in many ways, both physically and psychologically. Acute noise, such as a loud bang, can damage hearing and lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. But chronic noise exposure also has far-reaching effects on the body. The most common effects include

• Stress and sleep disorders: Noise leads to an increased release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This can lead to persistent stress, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sleep disorders are also a common consequence of nocturnal noise, which impairs the body's ability to regenerate in the long term.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Studies show that noise pollution increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The link is particularly evident in people who are exposed to high levels of noise over long periods of time.
• Impairment of cognitive abilities: Continuous noise can impair concentration, memory and general cognitive performance. This particularly affects children, whose learning and development processes can be severely disrupted by noise.
• Mental stress: Noise can also favour mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression. Constant noise leads to permanent inner restlessness and can significantly impair general well-being.

What are the consequences of being exposed to too much noise?

The consequences of long-term exposure to noise are varied and serious. In addition to the physical and psychological impairments already mentioned, there can also be social and economic consequences. People who suffer from noise often withdraw, avoid social contact and may experience a decline in their work performance. In extreme cases, the quality of life can decline so much that those affected suffer from a chronic stress situation.

In the long term, noise leads to a reduction in life expectancy. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise is the second biggest environmental burden in Europe after air pollution that has a negative impact on health.

How much noise makes you ill?

The question of how much noise makes you ill is not easy to answer, as individual sensitivity to noise varies greatly. However, the general rule is:

• From 55 decibels (dB): Even this level, which is roughly equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation, can raise blood pressure in the long term and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if this level occurs over long periods of time and during the night.
• From 65 dB: Noise above this threshold, such as that generated in urban areas or by busy roads, is classified as hazardous to health. Continuous exposure in this range leads to a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• From 85 dB: This value corresponds roughly to the volume of a lawnmower or road traffic at rush hour. Continuous exposure for more than eight hours a day can lead to hearing damage. This value is therefore also the limit above which occupational safety measures are mandatory in noisy areas.

What is the best way to protect yourself from noise?

Protection against noise requires a combination of personal behaviour and technical measures. Here are some effective strategies:

• Identify and avoid sources of noise: It is important to be aware of the sources of noise that surround you on a daily basis and to avoid them where possible. This can mean avoiding noisy streets, using noisy household appliances less often or installing sound-insulating windows.
• Use hearing protection: The use of hearing protection such as earplugs or special headphones is essential for noisy activities or in environments with high noise exposure.
• Create quiet zones: Create a quiet environment at home or at work. Plants, carpets and curtains can help to absorb sound and thus reduce the noise level.
• Take regular breaks: If you work in a noisy environment, you should take regular breaks in quiet areas to relax your body and reduce stress.
• Optimise sleep: A quiet place to sleep is crucial for the body to recover. Blackout curtains, earplugs or a soundproof door can help to block out noise at night.

Sager AG: Effective noise protection for buildings

Comprehensive structural measures are required to effectively protect buildings against noise. We offer high-quality mineral wool products and system solutions for the entire building envelope with customised solutions against external noise. Whether facades, roofs or partition walls between flats - our products provide excellent sound insulation and thus make a decisive contribution to noise protection. These solutions are ideal not only for new buildings but also for renovations and help to minimise the negative effects of noise on health.

Conclusion

Noise is more than just a nuisance - it is a serious health risk. The effects on the body are far-reaching and can lead to serious illnesses in the long term. This makes it all the more important to actively protect yourself from noise and minimise sources of noise in your own environment. Through more conscious behaviour, technical aids and the use of noise protection solutions such as those from Sager AG, everyone can make a contribution to their health and significantly reduce the harmful effects of noise.

Knowledge transfer and training

The Sager Academy is a new platform that offers regular training courses on the building physics principles and energy standards covered in this article. Our practice-orientated training courses provide you with in-depth knowledge to successfully implement these requirements in construction planning. Contact us for further information and registration.