Unwanted noise disrupts thought, increases stress hormones and blood pressure, and causes inflammation. Even noise you may want—like loud music—can still damage hearing over time.
Background: The International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN), comprised of scientific experts worldwide, voted to redefine noise.
- Their decision officially expands the definition beyond "unwanted sound" to include the term "harmful."
Why it matters
A new international medical definition now recognizes noise as unwanted and harmful sound.
- This better reflects noise's health impacts beyond hearing loss only.
You caught me
You may think that noise only damages hearing, but research has linked it to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive impairment, sleep disruption, and more.
- Recognizing noise as potentially "harmful" even when not necessarily "unwanted" is a significant shift.
The big picture
Wanted loud music or construction noise causes the same hearing damage as unwanted noise over time.
- Defining noise as only "unwanted" inaccurately implies it's harmless if you want to hear it.
- Unwanted noise triggers involuntary stress reactions, raising blood pressure, hormones, and inflammation, even if you consciously try to ignore it.
- A typical example is traffic noise: Tens of millions are exposed to traffic noise at home, which can cause health problems.
The takeaway
This updated definition from a leading scientific body advances the recognition of noise as a public health issue, not just an annoyance.
- The updated definition of wanted and unwanted noise captures the comprehensive impact of noise on overall health, well-being, and ability to function.
- Unwanted noise is stressful and harms human health.
- Noise pollution from transportation noise stresses tens of millions in their homes, damaging their health.
What next?
The ICBEN is urging advocacy groups and dictionaries to adopt the new noise definition formally.
- Increase awareness that noise damages hearing even if wanted and that unwanted noise causes stress.
- The goal: a quieter, healthier world
Has noise damaged your hearing?
Hearing loss from noise is gradual and not benign. Untreated, it increases your risk of social isolation, falling, and dementia.
Check your hearing health with a free, 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule yours.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
Don't let untreated hearing loss threaten your health and happiness.
