Did you know that your stress levels can rocket without any warning?

Because of the environment?

For the first time, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have found a link between traffic noise exposure and its impact on hearing.

The louder the noise the greater the risk of developing tinnitus.

(Tinnitus: where a person hears a sound internally – ringing, buzzing, humming, and other noises). Tinnitus affects around 10 percent of the population.

In more than 40,000 cases of tinnitus, it was found out that for every decibel increase in traffic noise, the risk of developing tinnitus also increased by 6 percent.

For this reason, health professionals emphasize the importance of trying to reduce the effects of traffic noise, particularly at night, because of the negative effects the stress caused can have on a person’s sleep, tinnitus, and general health.

• Having bedrooms away from a busy street,
• sound-proof windows,
• noise barriers along highways or
• road surfaces that dampen tyre noise are suggested solutions.

Note: Tinnitus can also be a result of an underlying disease, injury or hearing loss but can be reduced through hearing aids and psychological treatment.

[Source: Neuroscience News Marianne Lie Becker – University of Southern Denmark]

Is traffic noise keeping YOU awake at night? Please share any of your tips and strategies to help others.