What is Noise Pollution – And How Does it Affect You?

No one likes dealing with loud or annoying sounds, especially if you are exposed to them on the daily at work, home or during your commute. Crowds, busy traffic and power tools can all produce overwhelming levels of noise and sometimes being subjected to it is unavoidable.


People can feel irritable and worn out if they have to contend with working or living in a noisy location. But did you know that noise pollution can be more than just a nuisance? It can also pose a risk to your hearing health.

 

What is Noise Pollution?

woman receiving a baseline hearing evaluation

Noise pollution refers to excessive levels of noise that can have a harmful effect on the health of humans and animals. It can be especially dangerous if you are exposed to these large levels of noise over an extended period.


Generally speaking, sound levels above 85 dB can pose a risk to your hearing if you are continuously exposed to it without taking measures to protect yourself.

 

Common Sources of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution can be a common hazard for workers in industrial facilities, construction sites or other workplaces where machinery and tools generate a lot of noise. 


Outside of work, people may also need to contend with dangerous sound levels if they live near areas with high levels of traffic noise, such as those found near railways, highways or airports. 


If you are unsure if you are being exposed to an unsafe level of noise in your daily life, sound level meters can be used to determine the levels of noise in a given area.


How Does Noise Pollution Affect Your Hearing?

Overtime, exposure to high levels of noise pollution can lead to the hair cells in your inner ear getting damaged. These hair cells play an important role in hearing and are responsible for transmitting auditory signals to your brain. When the hair cells in your inner ear are harmed, the result can be temporary or permanent noise-induced hearing loss. 



In addition to the risk of hearing loss, noise pollution can also negatively impact your mental health. Intense and persistent sounds can cause a lot of stress, leading to anxiety, mental fatigue and problems with sleeping. Other side effects can include headaches and even elevated blood pressure.


How Can You Protect Your Hearing from Noise Pollution?

man after car accident with hearing damage

One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss is to simply avoid areas where you may be exposed to noise pollution or to limit the duration you spend in those areas as much as possible.

 

When exposure to harmful levels of noise can’t be avoided, such as when it may be required for your job, you should always wear appropriate safety gear, such as protective earmuffs or headphones. Custom earplugs designed to fit your ears can also be a useful and less obtrusive way to manage your exposure to high levels of noise.

 

If you live in an area where noise pollution is a concern, you can take steps to better soundproof your home or plant trees around your house to act as a natural sound barrier.

 

If you’re concerned about your hearing, or whether you’ve been exposed to an unsafe level of noise, our registered audiologist can perform an audiometric evaluation to determine if you are experiencing hearing loss. The audiologist will review your results with you and recommend treatment options. 

 

Even if you aren't experiencing any issues with your hearing, it's recommended that you have your hearing tested annually if you work in a high-noise level environment.

 

We are also St. Albert’s leading destination for custom earmolds and earplugs to help you safeguard your hearing! We supply custom earplugs that are designed to fit the exact contours of your ear for improved noise protection. You can wear them to protect your hearing at work, at noisy events such as concerts or to block out sounds when sleeping.

 

Contact Discover Hearing today to book your hearing test with our registered audiologist.

child suffering from ear infection
By Peter Quinn July 25, 2025
Learn how ear infections can impact your hearing, the signs to watch for, & when to seek professional care. Discover the link between infections and hearing loss.
celebrities with hearing aids
By Peter Quinn June 17, 2025
Hearing loss can affect anyone, even celebrities. Discover 8 well-known figures who wear hearing aids, work with audiologists, and help raise awareness
better speech and hearing month
By Peter Quinn May 7, 2025
Early detection of hearing loss is important for improving communication and your health. Learn about the signs of hearing loss & how to protect your hearing.
auditory deprivation's affect on the brain
By Peter Quinn April 28, 2025
Hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation and difficulties with processing sound information. Learn how this impacts the brain & how hearing aids can help.
The Importance of Establishing a Baseline for Your Hearing - Discover Hearing
By Peter Quinn February 28, 2025
Baseline hearing evaluations provide useful info to audiologists & serve as protection in case of an injury. Learn why you should receive regular hearing tests.
hearing loss and isolation
By Peter Quinn January 29, 2025
Hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. Learn about the psychological impact of hearing loss and how hearing aids can help in our blog post.
signs that you should see an audiologist
By Peter Quinn December 21, 2024
A registered audiologist can evaluate a variety of hearing and balance conditions. Here are 4 signs that you should see an audiologist about your symptoms.
Discover Hearing – St. Albert’s Most Trusted Locally Owned Hearing Clinic
By Peter Quinn November 25, 2024
With 25 years of experience, Discover Hearing is St. Albert’s most trusted hearing clinic. We’re home to the city’s only full-time Registered Audiologist.
hearing protection
By Peter Quinn November 25, 2024
Continuous exposure to loud noise at work can lead to serious hearing loss. Learn about unsafe noise levels, signs of hearing loss & how to protect against it.
How to Properly Care for Your Hearing Aids
By Peter Quinn September 23, 2024
Keep your hearing aids in good working condition and extend the lifespan of your device. Discover 5 tips for properly caring for your hearing aid!