From hearing loss to high blood pressure: what is the impact of noise on health

Hearing loss in children can cause lower academic performance and a drop in motivation and concentration, according to experts / (Courtesy GAES Amplifon)

According to the World Health Organization, by 2050 it is estimated that almost 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation. It is even estimated that 1.1 million young people are at risk of losing their hearing. The first responsible, in addition to some pathologies, is noise. That is why, this Wednesday, April 25, on International Noise Awareness Day, we seek to raise awareness about its impact on health.

“In Argentina, hearing loss constitutes 18% of existing disabilities,” said, in dialogue with Infobae, the otorhinolaryngologist Stella Maris Cuevas (MN 81701). The truth is that noise is present, almost, on a daily basis in humanity. Whether in schools, in the workplace or, well, on the streets, noise is an inescapable adjunct to modern life.

Although these sounds are generally heard at safe levels without affecting hearing, prolonged exposure to simultaneous noise and loud volumes can be harmful. For the international health organization, the acceptable noise limit for the human ear is 65 dB, a figure that translates into the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Hearing loss can be due to genetic causes, complications in childbirth, certain infectious diseases, chronic otitis, exposure to loud sounds, use of ototoxic drugs and aging / (Courtesy GAES Amplifon)

Meanwhile, it is considered painful when it exceeds 125 dB, this number is equivalent to the sound of a drill. In this vein, they warned that adolescents have greater hearing sensitivity, which is why they are considered more vulnerable to hearing damage. Despite the fact that this risk exists, the truth is that many people do not pay attention to this warning and the main reasons are: lack of awareness (63%), underestimation of hearing problems (59%) and the social stigma associated with hearing loss of hearing (33%).,

“Hearing loss (deafness) is hearing incapacity and it treats a sensory disorder that consists of difficulty listening, which influences communication, language. It can even be partial or total,” Cuevas explained. And he added: “The WHO warned noises above 70 dB are dangerous, even more so if they persist over time. It is estimated that 5% of the world population, close to 400 million people, already have hearing problems”.

For her part, speech pathologist María Agustina Leiro (MN 8343), a member of the GAES Amplifon team, indicated: “It is extremely important to go for regular hearing check-ups and not postpone medical consultation in the event of any symptom, especially if there is a family history. Hearing-related pathologies are often silent, which can delay treatment and aggravate symptoms.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 5% of the world’s population suffers from disabling hearing loss and requires rehabilitation / Photo: Christin Klose/dpa

In this vein, a recent study indicated that excessive noise can also negatively impact heart and respiratory rates, in addition to generating headaches, impaired cognitive function, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. He even warned that symptoms such as emotional instability, lack of self-esteem, decreased school performance in children, difficulties learning language, loss of memory and concentration, stress and anxiety may occur. For all this, it is important to be alert to these signs and take preventive measures to protect hearing health.

According to the study, led by Professor Jing Huang, from Peking University (China), “long-term exposure to road traffic noise was associated with a higher incidence of primary hypertension, and effect estimates were stronger in presence of increased air pollution. For the study, the researchers collected information from the UK Biobank on more than 240,000 people between the ages of 40 and 69 who did not have high blood pressure, and followed them for an average of eight years.

After estimating the amount of noise they were exposed to from the address in which they lived, the experts warned that more than 21,000 experienced the pathology, and that, according to the data, the risk of excessive blood pressure is related to the noise dose to which they were exposed. In this vein, the scientists also noted another factor: “It seems possible that high exposure to polluted air leaves the body more vulnerable to the dangerous effects of traffic noise and vice versa.”

“Hearing loss is something that can affect anyone. That is why it is important to consult a doctor on time to reach an early diagnosis,” said Cuevas / (iStock)

1. Use the headphones correctly and keep them sanitized: since they are inserted into the ear, the risk of infections in the external canal increases and, if they are also shared among several people, something that adolescents usually do, the danger is greater.

2. Regular reviews with professionals: the objective is to check the state of hearing health. Just as visits to other doctors are made, consultations with otolaryngologists should be added.

3. Safe volumes: put music players and smartphones at safe levels, less than 60%. In this way, you can hear the sounds around you. Also, it is advisable to take regular breaks after 60 minutes.

4. Take and maintain distance from noise sources: among the most named are the speakers. Also, it is advisable to take 15-minute breaks in quieter areas.

5. Protection: When you are in very noisy places, it is ideal to use ear plugs or protectors.

6. Parental control: in children it is advisable to monitor the exposure time to this kind of sounds, since hearing damage is gradual and irreversible.

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