Noise Pollution
People try to board a bus as others wait at an unofficial bus stop at Abancay Avenue in downtown Lima March 10, 2014. According to Peru's Agency of Assessment and Environmental Control, Abancay Avenue has one of the highest levels of noise pollution in Lima. The sign reads, "Silence". REUTERS/Enrique Castro-Mendivil

In early February, researchers in the US claimed that our generation is losing its ability to hear the “natural sounds” surrounding them, thanks to the headphones and iPods. In his recent research, Dr Kurt Fristrup from the US National Park Service emphasised on the trending phenomenon of learned deafness. But the question is, could we save our generation from becoming partially "deaf" by ignoring the sound of the bird's song and dripping water?

May be the answer is yes, exclaimed Edith Derlon, CEO of Monaco-based architectural firm, ESION. Derlon is committed towards rebuilding homes that are similar to a sanctuary, breaking free the residents from the everyday life noise pollution and the associated stress.

According to Derlon, plenty of options are available these days that can protect all categories of people from the harmful effects of noise pollution. From noise-free bedrooms to sound-free kennels and acoustic blankets for children, a variety of options are available to relieve the stress caused by noise pollution, particularly near a construction site. These products are increasingly becoming popular among the people living in Monaco, Sweden, Poland and New York, told Derlon in an interview with the International Business Times.

Dr Derrick Taff from the Pennsylvania State University is currently studying the occurrence of the phenomenon of learned deafness in a sample population of 40 subjects. In one of the tests, the subjects were first asked to make a speech to stress them. It was found that the individuals who listened to the natural sound of the wind and birds just after making the speech recovered speedily from the stress as compared to those who did not. The parameters that were taken into account were the heart rate, stress hormone levels and the emotional state of the individual.

Highlighting the ill-effects of noise pollution on health, including frustration, sleeplessness, aggression, premature ageing and hypertension, Derlon emphasised the need to enforce strict government regulations for control of noise pollution and to protect the generation from becoming prone to learned deafness.

“The government and local authorities should introduce noise control policies at the national and local level, thus protecting the health of the people from this ever-growing hazard,” said Derlon.

To report a problem or to leave a feedback on the article, send an e-mail to emailtoguneet@gmail.com.