on International Noise Awareness Day, what makes high-quality acoustics so important?
Established by the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) in 1996, April 24th is International Noise Awareness Day (INAD).
With this in mind, we’re taking a closer look at the impact excessive noise can have on our wellbeing – and highlighting how high-quality acoustic solutions can be harnessed to boost our mental and physical health.
the physical impacts of excessive noise
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in 2011 that noise pollution contributed to 1.7m years of life lost in Europe.
The most obvious negative impact noise can have on our physical health is hearing damage. According to the CHC, around 466 million people around the world are living with moderate to severe hearing loss as a result of excessive noise.
But noise doesn’t just affect our ears; it can have a profound impact on the rest of our bodies, too. The European Environmental Agency suggests that the increased stress levels associated with noise pollution could be responsible for around 48,000 new cases of heart disease a year.
Meanwhile, a study conducted by The UK Health Security Agency found that repeated exposure to loud noise can be linked to an increased risk of diabetes and stroke among other serious conditions.
the psychological impacts of excessive noise
A 2022 study found a 55% higher risk of anxiety in highly ‘noise-annoyed’ people.
There’s also the effects on our mental health to consider. In noisy environments, the brain is constantly monitoring sounds for signs of danger, even during sleep. This heightened sensitivity can result in increased irritability, stress and anxiety levels.
Naturally, sleep quality is also affected, as excessive noise reduces the depth and overall amount of all-important rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These disruptions can have a significant impact on mood and cognitive function, limiting a person’s ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks.
the SonaSpray® solution
Limiting the negative impacts of noise begins with selecting an acoustic treatment that effectively controls and absorbs sound.
From schools to offices, sports halls to industrial sites, Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray® range of seamless acoustic sprays is suitable for a range of applications.
By absorbing noise reverberation rather than reflecting it, SonaSpray® reduces the overall noise levels within a space to protect the health and wellbeing of its users. Its environmentally friendly composition is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, supporting overall wellbeing through healthier indoor air quality. Addtionally, Sonaspray® contributes to several other design and health certifications such as BREAAM, SKA and Living Building Challenge, and is M1 classified as a Low Emitting Building Material – the best possible classification.
live a happier, healthier and quieter life
As our understanding of noise pollution and its impacts continues to grow, our need to mitigate unwanted noise and prioritise wellbeing becomes increasingly urgent.
Are you ready to redefine your space this International Noise Awareness Day? Allow Oscar Acoustics to transform your space – and contribute to a healthier, more harmonious atmosphere for all.