Sound Exposure in Australia
Sound exposure is the level of noise that a person is exposed to. It can be measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise.
Sound exposure can have a number of health effects, including:
- Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
- Sleep disturbance: Loud noise can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Stress and anxiety: Loud noise can increase stress levels and anxiety.
- Heart disease: Loud noise has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Stroke: Loud noise has been linked to an increased risk of stroke.
The Australian Government has set workplace exposure standards for noise. These standards set limits on the amount of noise that workers are allowed to be exposed to.
If you are concerned about sound exposure, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself:
- Avoid loud noise: If possible, avoid exposure to loud noise. If you must be exposed to loud noise, wear ear protection.
- Take breaks: If you are exposed to loud noise, take breaks every 15-30 minutes to allow your ears to rest.
- Wear ear protection: Ear protection can help to reduce the amount of noise that you are exposed to. There are a variety of ear protection options available, including earplugs and earmuffs.
- Ventilate your home: If you live in a noisy area, ventilating your home can help to reduce the amount of noise that you are exposed to.
- Plant trees: Planting trees around your home can help to absorb noise.
- Talk to your neighbors: If your neighbors are making a lot of noise, talk to them about it. They may not be aware of how loud they are being.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect yourself from the harmful effects of sound exposure.
Here are some additional tips for reducing sound exposure in Australia:
- Use quiet appliances: If you have noisy appliances, such as a blender or vacuum cleaner, try to use them during the day when there is less noise outside.
- Close windows and doors: If you are going to be exposed to loud noise, close windows and doors to reduce the amount of noise that comes into your home.
- Turn on a fan: A fan can help to create white noise, which can help to mask loud noises.
- Listen to music: Listening to music can also help to mask loud noises.
- Take a break: If you are feeling overwhelmed by noise, take a break in a quiet room.
- Talk to a doctor: If you are concerned about the effects of sound exposure on your health, talk to a doctor.