noise, commonly defined as unwanted sound, is another environmental pollutant. Particularly in congested urban areas, the noise produced as a by-product of our advancing technology causes physical and psychological harm, and detracts from the quality of life for those who are exposed to it.
Unlike the eye , the ear has no lid ; therefore noise penetrates without protection. Loud noises instinctively signal danger to any organism with a hearing mechanism , including human beings. In response , heartbeat ang respiration accelerate. In fact , there is a general increase in functioning brought about by the flow of adrenaline released in response to fear.
Because noise is unavoidable in a complex, industrial society, we are constantly responding in the same way that we would respond to danger. Recently, researchers have concluded that noise and our response may be much more than an annoyance. It may be a serious threat to physical and psychological health and well-being, causing damage not only to the ear and brain but also to the heart and stomach. We have long known that hearing loss is America’s number one nonfatal health problem, but now we are learning that some of us with heart disease and ulcers may be victims of noise as well