Teenagers beware! Noise pollution leads to hearing loss and mental health problems

Continuous exposure to noise leads to a wide range of health problems, both physical and mental, with a very high risk associated with children and adolescents. And according to the European Environment Agency, noise is responsible for 16,600 premature deaths and more than 72,000 hospitalizations every year in Europe alone.

Research indicates that there is evidence that short-term exposure to noise pollution temporarily increases blood pressure, potentially causing cardiovascular problems in young people. In a recent article, The Indian Journal of Paediatrics noted that noise pollution can also affect a child’s hearing at any stage of development including fetus, infancy and adolescence.

1. Physical: The physical effects of noise pollution in children include breathing problems, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, severe and constant headaches, nausea and dizziness, and in some cases extremely loud and constant noise, gastritis, colitis and even heart attacks.
2. Psychological: in addition to harming physical health, noise pollution can cause stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue and even hysteria in severe cases.
3. Sleep disorders: Children and teens need 8-9 hours of sleep a day to be fit and healthy. However, due to noise pollution, lack of deep sleep can have latent effects on behavior, causing irritability.
4. Perform on Memory and concentration: Repeated exposure to loud sounds can affect anyone’s ability to focus and concentrate, leading to poor performance in school and sports. Although some sounds are unavoidable, some can be reduced or stopped for the sake of our children’s health. A few measures can be taken at home:

1. Reduce noise from electrical appliances and gadgets such as air conditioners, blenders, fans, etc.
2. Always make sure to turn the TV volume down. Also, noise from the radio, video games, etc. should not be broadcast at a high level.
3. You can add insulation around the house (especially in the bedroom) to help dampen sounds from other rooms.
4. If you’re going to a club or party, where loud sounds are unavoidable, be sure to protect your ears with earplugs or muffs.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before starting any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.