Noise can be more than just a distraction

So is noise pollution simply a perceived distraction or annoyance in our everyday lives... or is it actually a health risk?

Noise can be defined as any unwanted sound. When it is loud enough, noise can severely damage your hearing. Generally speaking, the louder the sound, the shorter the time you should be exposed to it. Aside from damaging your hearing, noise can be a source of annoyance and stress, and even cause tinnitus -- commonly described as a ringing sensation in the ears when no external sound is present. It is estimated that 17 per cent of the population or more than 5 million Canadians suffers from tinnitus.

Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB). For comparison, the following are typical decibel levels of common outdoor sounds:

•  Rustling leaves = 20 dB
•  Residential area at night = 40 dB
•  Conversation = 60 dB
•  Street traffic = 80 dB
•  Jackhammer = 100 dB
•  Ambulance siren = 120 dB
•  Airplane takeoff = 140 dB
•  Gunshot = 160 dB

It has been determined that long-term exposure to 85 decibels or higher will harm your hearing over time. Even short-term exposure to 120 db or higher without hearing protection can damage your hearing and result in permanent hearing loss.

Hearing loss affects more than 10 per cent of all Canadians, which includes 25 per cent of those over the age of 45 and 60 per cent of those over the age of 65. Before we discuss hearing loss any further, it is important to understand the basic mechanics of how we actually hear.

Sound travels in the form of waves that are comprised of vibrations of air. The outer ear picks up these waves and transports them to the inner ear where the vibrations are converted into electrical signals. These signals are then transformed into useful sound information, which the brain interprets into language, music or environmental sounds.