Stop! Hey, What's That Sound?

(Continued from FunAmeda.com )

But what about the sounds we’ve learned to tune out - the hum of your refrigerator, your partner’s snoring, a ticking clock? Did you know these types of ongoing, often subtle noises could be making you sick? And, if you’re constantly subjected to more than one of these types of noises at a time, you may just be shaving years off your life!  Yikes!

According to a 2011 report from the World Health Organization, environmental noise is not merely a nuisance but also a concern for public and environmental health. The report is a startling look at the unhealthy effects of noise pollution - and the report was done nine years ago. Imagine what the results would be today! The report goes on to say powerful epidemiological studies have found cardiovascular diseases, memory loss, insomnia, tittinitus and even, in some cases, psychiatric disorders can be associated with repeated exposure to what is usually considered bothersome environmental noise, i.e. road and air traffic, television, bars and restaurants, neighbors, electrical devises, loud music, crying babies, etc.

Advertisers have been using sound to manipulate us for years.  Ever notice the rockin’ songs played at the end of your favorite show? That song was carefully chosen to make you feel hip for watching that specific show.  Do you hear that low-level buzz of your overhead kitchen light?  It’s possible that, although you think you don’t even register it, it could be the cause of your chronic fatigue or overall irritation. 

Not only has it been proven noise pollution has direct effect on our health, researchers now know it is not just the volume, pattern and frequency of the sound that is the issue, but the pitch of the sound as well.  In the 2019 film, The Sound of Silence, Peter Sarsgaard plays a “house tuner” who calibrates the sounds in people’s homes in order to adjust their moods.  That concept really struck a chord with me!

Because the definition of noise is subjective as it varies from one individual to another, sharing a home, an office, or even public transportation with other sound-making humanoids can pose a varying degree of stress and discomfort.

We give so much consideration to our other four senses. Why not give your ears a little TLC with an opportunity to kick back and relax? Maybe take this quiet, at-home time to treat your ears to a break from the din.  Make a commitment to yourself (and your housemates, neighbors, etc!) to a stretch of quiet hours each day. Take an audio break.  Listen to some silence. 

Your ears, mind and body will thank you!