Great Oak Gazette

Naomi Hales’29

Staff Writer

Introduction

Imagine this: You are on vacation at a beautiful beach. Your toes sink into the sand, the soft summer heat warms your skin, the cool ocean breeze drifts by,  and the… random hip-hop music? You turn around and realize the beach is covered in speakers and radio systems, while cars honk on the nearby highway, drowning out the peaceful quiet you were just enjoying. Annoying, right? This is noise pollution at its finest. Although you may only notice it in extreme situations like this, noise pollution is everywhere—on the road when the car next to you has a heavy bass drop, or in the grocery store when someone’s talking on speakerphone.

What It Means

Let’s pause for a moment—you might be wondering, “What even is noise pollution?” That’s a fair question. Many people don’t realize how big of a problem it really is or even what it entails. According to the National Geographic Society, noise pollution is “any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms,” —essentially, any noise you didn’t choose to listen to. It’s not limited to big cities; it exists everywhere— in the countryside, high above in the sky, and even underwater. 

How It Affects Us

Noise pollution negatively impacts everyone. No matter how much you love music, excessive noise can still harm your mental health. An article published by the National Institute of Health discusses the effects of urban noise and other sources of constant sound. In simple terms, noise pollution can lead to sleep disorders, depression, annoyance, loss of hearing, cardiovascular issues, and numerous conditions that affect both mental and physical well-being. 

How to Help

Next time you have the chance, help reduce noise pollution by using headphones instead of playing music out loud, avoid speakerphone conversations in public, and minimize unnecessary noise whenever possible. You don’t have to be perfect—just do your best, because noise pollution is just as serious as littering or other forms of pollution. After all, we only get one word!

Sources

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Urban noise and health. Retrieved from nih.gov

National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Noise pollution. Retrieved from nationalgeographic.org