By: Amanda Womac
Published Nov. 3, 2010

Do you ever wonder what happened to the peace and quiet of daily life? It seems that everywhere we go now, from restaurants and grocery stores to shopping malls and public transit, there is constant noise.

And it’s not all just background noise. I remember a couple weeks ago stopping at a gas station. When I got out, I was overpowered by the loud music coming from the speakers. It was so loud I had to cover my ears while pumping gas!

The constant aural assault from noisy environments can cause a gradual loss of hearing over time. One in 10 people in the United States have some type of hearing loss, which makes hearing loss one of the most common hidden disabilities.

Normal speech is measured at 65 decibels (dB). Anything over 85 dB can cause hearing loss. However, constant aural assault from background noise can also cause hearing loss.

A study released as part of the International Conference on Urban Health at the New York Academy of Medicine looked at environmental noise in New York City. Researchers stood at 60 different spots in New York City and measured the noise level by their ears. The spots were selected using data on noise complaints from a city hot line.

Measurements in most areas, even small parks, were above 70 dB. Some of New York City’s noisiest spots were along First Avenue above 14^th Street. Broadway in Inwood, Times Square and East Midtown were also among the loudest lanes in town.

Constant noise not only affects our hearing, but our overall health as well. Persistent exposure to traffic and noise can cause chronic hypertension, which leads to stress and eventually affects the health of your heart.

Living Stress-Free (or at least trying)
If you want to reduce the noise and try to get that peace and serenity back in your life, there are a few things you can do during the day to protect your hearing, your heart and your overall health.

1. Reduce the Noise – protect your ears from constant, bothersome sounds like barking dogs, helicopters or trains by installing storm windows. Use large noise-blocking headphones to hear music better at a lower volume.

2. Take Action – don’t be shy about asking for less noise at home or work. If a place is so loud you can’t hear yourself think, then leave. Always bring a pair of earplugs to the movies or concerts.

3. Don’t Wait Until its Too Late – get your hearing tested if you suspect it might be damaged. The test is simple and nonintrusive and can save you grief and stress in the long run.

Follow the Hearing and Speech Foundation on Twitter (@giftofsound) this week to learn about the Top 10 Loudest Noises in History!

Up next in Hearing News:
Newborn screening and the important role it plays in hearing health