Do you also sometimes long in vain for silence, because you can no longer “hear” or want to hear the everyday noise? Does the music in the department store or in the elevator occasionally disturb you? Are you one of the 70% of Germans who complain about street noise? Or do you have only few problems with loudness, maybe you even like loud disco music? The Day Against Noise is intended to make us all aware of and sensitive to noise pollution and its consequences. Noise is a serious environmental problem. Continuous but also short-term exposure to noise can have a variety of negative effects on people, ranging from the feeling of being annoyed to acute or chronic damage to health.
Did you know that …
- Almost all Germans (80%) are affected in some way by noise?
- More than half of the population is bothered by several noise sources at the same time?
- Over a third of the people in Germany feel significantly annoyed by road noise?
- About a quarter of German citizens / is affected by rail traffic noise?
- Almost 15% feel significantly disturbed by aircraft noise?
- After all 6.5% of Germans are highly annoyed by the noise of their neighbors?
Disturbing noise
Of course, noise prevents good communication and worsens concentration. This can be especially noticeable in the workplace and when the source of noise is in close proximity. Noise pollution also leads to sleep disturbances and puts a strain on the cardiovascular system.
If the impairment persists for a longer period of time, it can lead to hearing loss (approx. 14 million German citizens, about 15% of the population, rising trend) or the dreaded tinnitus (almost 3 million German citizens, 4% of the population over the age of 10; rising trend). The fact that it is difficult to relax under constant noise pollution and that recovery suffers hardly needs to be mentioned.
7 tips against noise in everyday life
The following recommendations can be done with a very small effort, but already have a considerable effect! Therefore, think over all the points in peace. And consider whether you can take one or the other to heart.
- Do not make more noise than is absolutely necessary and avoidable under given circumstances. In doing so, respect the right of others to rest.
- ALWAYS wear hearing protection when it is mandatory or advisable. Use only products with optimal protective function for this purpose. Check before each activity whether you need hearing protection, for example, when mowing the lawn, tail cutting or DIY.
- Check your children’s toys! – Crackers and scare guns can cause significant hearing damage, even with short-term exposure!
- Avoid recreational activities that expose you to large sound levels.
- Critically review the volume setting on your radio and television sets from which you are exposed to sound on a daily basis. Reconsider your habits: Does the radio or TV need to be on in the background?
- Do not use the horn of your car for fun or carelessness.
- Have your hearing checked by professionals at regular intervals.
