It is estimated that approximately 30 million Americans work in jobs that expose them to hazardous noises. Since up to 60 percent of these persons suffer from hearing loss by the time they reach 50-years-old, that is often the most focused on concern. However, it has been suggested that the incidence of heart disease also increases with the levels of noise pollution. Outside of the work environment, noise levels from everyday sources such as automobiles, aircrafts and other machinery, can extend the number of at-risk persons to about 100 million.
So if you are among those in danger of noise-induced heart disease, here are some ways that you can help to alleviate your risk.
Precaution at work
Workers in consistently noisy environments are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from serious heart conditions than their counterparts. Should your job place you in direct reception of this type of hazardous noise, then you need to practice precautionary measures to reduce your constant exposure. Sound reducing cabs should be used when operating noisy vehicles. Machinery should also be kept well lubricated so that friction and its resultant noises can be lessened. In addition, you should take your breaks in locations which are as far away from the noise as possible.
If your job allows it, you should make use of the ear protectors or noise-cancelling headphones to help reduce the noise that you hear. Noise cancelling headphones come with the option of providing access to pink noises such as that of rushing water or wind, which are able to promote relaxation and regulates brain waves. More stable brain waves promote stable blood pressure and reduce feelings of stress. The cost of noise-cancelling headphones can range from $229 to about $500 each.
Precaution at home
Since you are also exposed to noise at home, you can also take steps to secure a peaceful environment there as well. Properly installed insulation not only saves you money through energy efficiency, it also helps to reduce the noise that permeates your home from the outside. Other suggested additions to your home includes the installation of acoustic tiles to the ceiling and walls (approximately $3.36 to $5.11 per square foot), putting in double-paneled windows ($600 to $800 including installation) and incorporating heavy curtains and rugs in your decor.
While these may seem like costly adjustments to make to your home, the return on investment is worth it should you decide to sell your home especially if you are situated close to an air field or other transportation center. In addition, both you and your family members would benefit greatly from the quiet that you would be able to enjoy and the resultant health benefits to your hearts.
Share12 November 2015
When my daughter began having academic problems in school and acting out, I knew that something wasn’t right. Her teachers wanted me to put her on ADD medications, but I didn’t think that that was the right course for us. I had serious doubts that ADD was what was causing her problems. I took her to several different specialists before discovering that her issues in school were actually do to a visual processing problem. The doctor recommended vision therapy, not medication, to help correct the problem and get her back on track. The exercises are really starting to pay off, and she’s showing great improvement.
