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This article is about noise as an unwanted acoustic phenomenon. For the general signal
phenomenon, see Noise (spectral phenomenon). For other uses, see Noise (disambiguation).
Environmental noise[edit]
Main article: Environmental noise
Regulation[edit]
Main article: Noise regulation
Health effects[edit]
Main articles: Health effects from noise and Noise-induced hearing loss
Earplugs can be used to protect the user's ears from
loud noises.
Exposure to noise is associated with several negative health outcomes. Depending on
duration and level of exposure, noise may cause or increase the likelihood of hearing
loss, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, sleep disturbances, injuries, and
[31]
even decreased school performance. There are also causal relationships between
noise and psychological effects such as annoyance, psychiatric disorders, and effects
[31]
on psychosocial well-being.
Noise exposure has increasingly been identified as a public health issue, especially in
an occupational setting, as demonstrated with the creation of NIOSH's Noise and
[32]
Hearing Loss Prevention program. Noise has also proven to be an occupational
[33]
hazard, as it is the most common work-related pollutant. Noise-induced hearing loss,
when associated with noise exposure at the workplace is also called occupational
hearing loss.
Hearing loss prevention[edit]
[34]
While noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, it is also preventable. Particularly in
the workplace, regulations may exist limiting permissible exposure limit to noise. This
can be especially important for professionals working in settings with consistent
exposure to loud sounds, such as musicians, music teachers and audio engineers.
[35]
Examples of measures taken to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace
[36][37]
include engineering noise control, the Buy-Quiet initiative, creation of the Safe-In-
[38]
Sound award, and noise surveillance.
Literary views[edit]
Roland Barthes distinguishes between physiological noise, which is merely heard,
and psychological noise, which is actively listened to. Physiological noise is felt
subconsciously as the vibrations of the noise (sound) waves physically interact with the
body while psychological noise is perceived as our conscious awareness shifts its
[39]
attention to that noise.
[40]
Luigi Russolo, one of the first composers of noise music, wrote the essay The Art of
Noises. He argued that any kind of noise could be used as music, as audiences
become more familiar with noises caused by technological advancements; noise has
[41]
become so prominent that pure sound no longer exists.
Henry Cowell claimed that technological advancements have reduced unwanted noises
[42]
from machines, but have not managed so far to completely eliminate them.
Felix Urban sees noise as a result of cultural circumstances. In his comparative study
on sound and noise in cities, he points out that noise regulations are only one indicator
of what is considered as harmful. It is the way in which people live and behave
[43]
(acoustically) that determines the way how sounds are perceived.
See also[edit]
Association of Noise Consultants
Background noise
Colors of noise
Impulse noise (acoustics)
International Noise Awareness Day
Intonarumori
Loud music
Noise and vibration on maritime vessels
Noise calculation
Noise control
Noise in music
Noise music
Noise pollution
Noise reduction
Silence
Sound level meter
Soundscape
The Hum
White noise
References[edit]