Noise is everywhere, but it doesn’t always bother us. If you’re driving through a construction site, the noise is disturbing, but it’s unlikely to cause any damage. And once you drive through it, the noise is often forgotten about.

When Your Home Isn’t Your Oasis

We think of our home as a place of peace and quiet to enjoy times with family, friends and doing things we enjoy. So what happens when noise pollution is in and around our homes?

The Problem With Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is common in residential neighborhoods, and the problems go beyond hearing impairment. It can also lead to insomnia, heart trouble and anxiety.

Loud Noises Can Be Painful

Being exposed to sounds over 85 decibels for extended periods of time can cause damage to your hearing, and any sound over 120 decibels can cause pain in your ears.

Causes Of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution in your neighborhood can be caused by:

• Traffic from a highway close by, honking horns or noisy vehicles

• Airport traffic if you live near runways where planes take off and land often

• Construction sites with heavy machinery

• Dogs with high-pitched barks

• Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers and power tools

• Police or fire stations

It’s Louder Than You Think

You may not give much thought to these everyday sounds, but you should. The sound from noise pollution can get loud enough to cause damage to your hearing:

• Car with a hole in the muffler: 111 db

• Car with no muffler: 115 db

• Police sirens: 118 db

• Lawnmower: 92 db

• Heavy street traffic: 70 db

What Can You Do?

Most regions in the United States, including many areas around Washington, DC Metro have quiet hours between 10pm and 7am. During these hours, noise pollution is not permitted. But what can you do for the rest of the day?

• Build a fence around your property, and plant lots of trees and shrubs to absorb the sound

• Limit noise in your own home by putting foam pads or mats under appliances

• Install carpet and drapes to absorb sound

• Seal cracks and holes in your doors, walls and windows

Get Your Hearing Tested Today

If you have been living with noise pollution, call today to book a free hearing consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. You can get your hearing tested, and speak with our professionals about the noise pollution you are exposed to, what you can do about it, and how you can protect your hearing when the noise can’t be stopped.