Loud or repetitive noise can damage the membranes and nerves that allow us to hear—and cause a cascade of problems throughout the body. This middle ear scan shows the tympanic membrane , malleus , incus , and stape and round window .Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
It’s one thing to leave a concert with ringing ears or to be surprised by a sudden loud noise, but how does that actually affect your health? Similarly, chronically disrupted sleep is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and poorer cognitive function, she says.
Earplugs can dramatically reduce the impact of loud noises by blocking sound waves before they can penetrate the inner ear. Noise-cancelling headphones produce a similar effect, but by emitting sound waves that complement and cancel out the noises around you. Walker says such devices also assist with the psychological effects of noise pollution, because they help people regain a sense of control over their surroundings.