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What seems like “just noise” often leaves behind invisible scars on mental and social well-being
News18
Rain often brings joy and nostalgia, but in India’s metro cities, it also unleashes the nightmare of waterlogged roads and traffic snarls that stretch for hours. Just yesterday, commuters on the Delhi–Gurugram Expressway found themselves trapped in a jam that extended for kilometres. The blaring of horns, the grinding chaos of gridlocked streets, the relentless pounding of construction drills, and loudspeakers blaring from nearby celebrations—these sounds have become part of everyday life for anyone living in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.
But the noise doesn’t leave you once you step inside your home. It follows you in. That unexplained headache, the irritation that creeps in during calls, or the restless nights where your sleep keeps breaking—these may all be the lingering effects of noise pollution surrounding you.
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How Noise Pollution Is A Silent Disaster
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping levels under 55 dB during the day and 40 dB at night, but Indian cities regularly record levels above 70 dB. That puts people at risk of serious conditions like ischemic heart disease and permanent hearing loss.
A January 2023 study published on Delhi’s noise levels across 100 locations—including residential areas, commercial zones, highways, and even silence zones—found that most places were far noisier than they should be.
Noise levels ranged between 66.5 and 84.7 decibels, with nearly 90% of sites recording between 70–80 dB, much higher than the safe limit. The main culprit was road traffic and constant honking, which people in the survey also said affected their health and peace of mind.
In another survey conducted by Earth5R in January 2023, 45 volunteers across 15 Indian cities found that noise levels in residential and silent zones were nearly 50% higher than the permissible limit of 50 dB.
The findings highlight that noise pollution is not just an outdoor problem but a serious urban health issue that needs strong control measures.
The Hidden Health Impact
Living with constant noise does more than rattle the nerves—it chips away at productivity, focus, and peace of mind. Working or studying from home becomes harder, with noise linked to cognitive delays and behavioural changes.
Short-term effects include headaches, irritability, loss of focus, and that persistent ringing in the ears which we all have encountered. Over time, the damage deepens—hypertension, sleep disorders, chronic anxiety, and even heart disease become risks as stress hormones continuously flood the body.
Children are especially vulnerable: exposure can stunt learning, reduce attention spans, and even cause long-term developmental issues. For the elderly or people already struggling with health conditions, the effects can be devastating—exacerbating stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption.
What seems like “just noise” often leaves behind invisible scars on mental and social well-being. Studies in Delhi have shown how noise is linked to sleep disorders and declining efficiency in daily life. Several issues that arise due to prolonged exposure to high-level noise are
Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause temporary or permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), damaging cochlear hair cells in the inner ear. Globally, over 1.5 billion people are affected, with projections of 2.5 billion by 2050. In India, a study of autorickshaw drivers in Lucknow found 34.7% with mean hearing loss exceeding 25 dB, compared to 2.67% in car drivers, highlighting occupational risks.
Tinnitus: Characterised by persistent ringing or hissing in the ears, often resulting from inner ear damage. It can be temporary or chronic, significantly reducing the quality of life.
Hyperacusis: Heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds, causing discomfort or pain. Prevalence is higher in musicians (3.8–67%) and those with conditions like autism or tinnitus.
Auditory fatigue: Temporary decline in hearing accuracy after continuous exposure, common in noisy environments like construction sites.
Hypertension and heart disease: Chronic noise activates stress responses, elevating blood pressure and increasing risks of ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.
A 10 dB increase in noise is linked to a 34% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
In India, studies of exposed workers report high blood pressure and ear pain.
Stroke: Associated with long-term exposure, contributing to a 12% increase in cardiovascular mortality.
Insomnia and fragmented sleep: Noise disrupts sleep cycles, reducing REM sleep and increasing latency (e.g., 5.6 minutes longer per 10 dBA increase). This leads to fatigue and daytime sleepiness, with 48.6% of urban Indians reporting sleep loss. WHO recommends under 30 dB in bedrooms for quality sleep.
Anxiety and depression: Noise-induced stress via the HPA axis and inflammation increases the odds of anxiety by 12% and depression by 4% per 10 dB rise. In India, annoyance and stress are common, exacerbating mental health issues.
Stress and irritability: Triggers cortisol release, leading to annoyance (52% in surveys) and behavioural changes like a bad temper.
Loss of concentration and reduced productivity: Impairs focus, with studies showing poorer work/school performance and increased accidents. In India, 86% report concentration loss from high noise
Why Silence Is Hard to Find Even at Home
You’d expect your home to be a sanctuary from the chaos outside—but city noise often finds its way in. Poor insulation, thin walls, and tightly packed neighbourhoods mean that traffic and construction sounds seep indoors.
Add to that the steady hum of household gadgets—generators buzzing at 70–80 dB, noisy neighbours, and the constant drone of TVs, music systems, and phones—and you’ve got an environment far from restful.
The irony is that even spaces designed for comfort and relaxation end up polluted with layers of low-level noise, turning homes into just another extension of the noisy streets.
Where the Extra Noise Comes From
It’s not just cars and construction creating the racket. Festivals can push noise levels to an ear-splitting 120 dB with fireworks. Wedding processions, political rallies, and loudspeakers add to the relentless soundscape.
Then there are the less obvious culprits—appliances that buzz, backup generators during power cuts, and even personal headphone use that damages hearing while contributing to the wider problem. In mixed-use neighbourhoods where residential areas blend with commercial zones, the variety of noise sources piles up, leaving residents with little escape.
Why India Struggles To Tackle Noise Pollution
India does have laws in place. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, framed under the Environment Protection Act, set clear limits—55 dB during the day in residential areas, bans on loudspeakers at night (10 pm to 6 am), and restrictions in silence zones.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is tasked with enforcement. But in practice, things look very different. Traffic noise is rarely monitored, construction work often bypasses permits, and cultural events continue to flout loudspeaker norms.
Data from the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) shows that noise levels have actually crept up in cities between 2011 and 2020. Weak monitoring and poor compliance remain huge hurdles.
Despite the grim reality, solutions exist. Technology offers tools like noise-mapping apps for real-time monitoring, soundproofing materials for homes, and the rise of electric vehicles that cut down on engine noise at lower speeds.
We can also help reduce noise pollution by making small lifestyle changes—celebrating festivals more quietly, limiting gadget use indoors, setting aside noise-free hours, and resisting the urge to honk in frustration during traffic jams, since honking won’t clear the road anyway.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
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