Noise Pollution: a Nuisance to Our Ears!

When we hear the word "pollution", we usually think of harmful chemicals released into the environment. We are concerned about the quality of the water we drink and the air we breathe. But what about the noise we hear? Can it also be harmful to our health?

As it turns out, yes!

François Lussier Audioprosthetist practicing at the Granby clinic

What Is Noise Pollution?

First of all, we have to differentiate between "noise" and "sound." Noise refers to unwanted sound that has unpleasant effects and creates discomfort for the ears. Noise pollution encompasses all environmental noise that has an impact on human and animal health.

This phenomenon is mainly observed in urban areas. Transportation is one of the primary causes of noise pollution. In fact, the noise generated by cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes can be a source of stress for people living near roads and other transport routes. Construction sites are also high on the list of sources of irritating noise near residential areas.

On a smaller scale, there are also so-called "household" noises, such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, and even music if it is played at high volume at an inappropriate time.

How Is It Harmful?

Noise and vibration at high volumes can have several adverse effects on physical and mental health:

Lack of concentration

How Can You Counteract It and Protect Yourself?

Several studies have analyzed the need for noise reduction and possible solutions. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) published a guide in 2018 entitled, “Best Spatial Planning Practices to Prevent the Effects of Environmental Noise on Health and Quality of Life”1. It contains several measures to take to reduce traffic noise, both on highways and in residential areas.

For example, the guide suggests the following solutions:

Reduced number of vehicles and traffic management

Decreased speed limits

Noise barriers

Multiple rows of plants

Installation of extended speed bumps designed to slow motorists down

High blood pressure

Heart problems

(if the noises occur during rest periods)

Changes in animal behaviour have also been observed. Animals may have difficulty communicating with each other (e.g., birds) or determining their location because of surrounding loud noises. In fact, the increasing number of sea vessels threatens many marine species that use sound to locate their offspring, to hunt, and to feed.

It is also possible to protect yourself from certain disruptive noises. In fact, wearing custom earmolds can help reduce the level of unwanted noise. Closing windows (when possible) or playing white noise to create a sound barrier can also be effective in many problematic sound environments.

To learn more about noise pollution, contact an audioprosthetist. They can advise you on what to do to preserve your hearing and protect your well-being.

Reference:

1. Martin, R., & Gauthier, M. (2018, September). Best Spatial Planning Practices to Prevent the Effects of Environmental Noise on Health and Quality of Life. https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/2731-best-spatialpractices-environmental-noise.pdf

The Eye-Ear Connection

Human beings are endowed with five senses that allow them to perceive the world in which they evolve and connect to the surrounding environment.

Did you know that these senses are closely related to each other?

This is certainly the case for hearing and vision.

Balance Is Everything

First of all, sight and hearing are linked in the vestibular system. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and helps to maintain balance in conjunction with the visual and proprioceptive systems (tactile sensations). It plays a role in stabilizing vision during head movements and in postural balance.

Disorders of the vestibular system can result in nausea, dizziness, and loss of balance, but also in tinnitus, hearing loss, and sound intolerance.

Symptoms are usually temporary. However, if they persist, it is important to consult a health care professional.

Finding Our Way Through Good Hearing

For some land and marine mammals, hearing also serves as their vision. For example, beluga whales or bats use echolocation to navigate their environment. They emit sound waves, and when the echo of those waves comes back, they are able to "visualize" their surroundings. This mechanism of sound reflection allows these animals to move without bumping into obstacles, hunt and protect themselves from predators.

Humans can develop this same technique, especially people with blindness. As with animals, human echolocation is the ability to detect objects in space thanks to the echo that "bounces" off surfaces.

With diligent practice, the visual cortex of people with blindness can be activated by sound. By producing a continuous sound (e.g., foot tapping or tongue clicking), it is possible to locate objects by distance, since the sound resonates differently depending on its proximity to an object. Some call this technique a "sixth sense."

Reading Well for Better Comprehension

The relationship between hearing and vision makes sense when you think about lip-reading. Although this communication strategy cannot replace effective hearing, seeing the speaker's expressions and lip movements is an important aid.

Several strategies can be used to optimize lip-reading skills. See pages 12 and 13 of this edition of Lobe Magazine to learn more.

Just like vision loss (e.g., presbyopia), hearing loss should be addressed as soon as it appears. If you have any concerns about the quality of your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for a free* hearing consultation, including a brief evaluation of your hearing.

Caroll-Ann Marois-Lowe

Specialized educator in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures

References:

- Les troubles du système vestibulaire. (2020, 1 janvier). Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec. https://www.ooaq.qc.ca/media/oqwnqrkz/troubles-du-système-vestibulaire_vw.pdf [French only]

- The Natural History of Canadian Mammals, by Donna Naughton, Canadian Museum of Nature, Michel Quintin Editions, p. 334-335 + p. 665 + p.737, 2016.

- Des aveugles qui "voient" par écholocation ! (2016, 18 avril).

Agence Science-Presse. https://www.sciencepresse.qc.ca/blogue/2016/04/18/ aveugles-voient-echolocation [French only]