Noise sensitivity threatens health!

Experts state that noise sensitivity is a complex psychological and physiological condition expressing individuals' personal reactions to noise, adding that research reveals health problems such as sleep issues, hypertension, heart conditions, anxiety, and depression are more commonly observed in noise-sensitive individuals.

Noting that chronic noise sources like traffic and aircraft noise, which are urban stressors, can trigger mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, Audiologist Busemnaz Avşar Aksu said, "Individuals with noise sensitivity may experience increased release of stress hormones due to their more intense emotional responses to sounds, which can create negative effects on mental health in the long term."

Audiologist RA Busemnaz Avşar Aksu from Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, addressed the effects of noise, an indispensable part of modern life, on individuals on the occasion of April 24th, International Noise Awareness Day.

Noise sensitivity is a complex psychological and physiological condition

Pointing out that noise, as an unavoidable part of modern life, is a collection of unwanted sounds that can profoundly affect individuals' physical and mental health, RA Busemnaz Avşar Aksu stated, “Noise sensitivity is a complex psychological and physiological condition that describes an individual's personal response to noise. While some individuals have no difficulty tolerating noise, for others, these sounds can be a significant source of stress.”

Even background music can be disturbing for those with noise sensitivity

Aksu explained that research shows individuals experiencing noise sensitivity tend to pay more attention to sound, perceive it as threatening or uncontrollable, and therefore have difficulty adapting. “For example, a person with noise sensitivity may find even everyday sounds like neighbors talking, air conditioning noises, or background music disturbing. The effect of noise on individuals is not limited solely to the loudness of the sound; characteristics such as age and gender, mental health, personality structures, and environmental factors also shape this perception,” she stated.

Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension are more common in those with noise sensitivity

Also stating that background noise is a factor that negatively affects productivity, especially in educational and work environments, RA Busemnaz Avşar Aksu continued:

“Elements such as human voices, equipment noise, ventilation systems, or external traffic sounds can hinder students' concentration and ability to understand lessons. Furthermore, by causing physiological effects like stress and fatigue, it can threaten individuals' overall well-being in the long term. Research shows that noise-sensitive individuals more frequently encounter health problems such as sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it has been noted that individuals disturbed by noise experience negative emotions like fear and anger, these emotions are intensified by physiological arousal, and they lead to health problems in the long term.”

It can trigger mental health problems like depression and anxiety!

Noting that chronic noise sources like traffic and aircraft noise, which are particular urban stressors, can trigger mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, Audiologist Busemnaz Avşar Aksu said, “Individuals with noise sensitivity may experience increased release of stress hormones due to their more intense emotional responses to sounds, which can create negative effects on mental health in the long term. For example, noise-sensitive individuals have greater difficulty adapting to such environments because they perceive sounds as threatening. Thus, chronic noise exposure in these individuals with noise sensitivity can weaken their emotional regulation capacity. Noise-sensitive individuals are more vulnerable to such stress factors, and this situation can increase social and economic burdens,” she explained.

Environmental regulations play an important role in reducing noise sensitivity

Also stating that various approaches are recommended to reduce the negative effects of noise sensitivity on individuals, RA Busemnaz Avşar Aksu concluded her words as follows:

“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as an effective method for managing sensory sensitivities. CBT can help individuals restructure their attitudes towards noise and reduce their stress responses. In addition, environmental modifications also play an important role in reducing noise sensitivity. For example, measures such as sound insulation, noise barriers, and increasing green spaces in urban planning can reduce noise exposure. In educational settings, acoustic improvements can be made to minimize background noise, thereby enhancing students' concentration and learning performance.”

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)