Chronic Noise Exposure – alive magazine

The science of sound

Sound is measured using decibels on a logarithmic scale, meaning that the intensity of sound increases very quickly—a sound at 120 decibels (like thunder) will be perceived as almost a hundred times higher than one at 20 decibels (like rustling leaves).

Any sound above 85 decibels can damage human hearing over time, and some everyday situations, like mowing the lawn, sitting in a noisy restaurant, and waiting for the subway, regularly exceed this threshold.

Hearing loss isn’t the only risk from exposure to loud noise; it can affect heart and mental health as well. Research in Western Europe shows that exposure to traffic noise is responsible for the loss of more than 1.5 million healthy life years per year.

This is because chronic noise exposure can increase stress hormone levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, which in turn elevate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and heart attacks.

Noise exposure is also linked to psychological disorders like depression and anxiety. For these reasons, scientists are pushing for noise to be understood as an environmental pollutant, like air pollution.

Noise pollution is also a social justice issue: people from racialized and minoritized communities are at higher risk of noise-related health issues due to higher exposures in transit and the workplace.

Make peace

Given the noise levels we’re exposed to daily, it’s no surprise that demand for silent experiences is booming. Silent cafés, retreats, and gyms are growing in popularity, while the number of silent book events increased by 460 percent between 2024 and 2025 alone.

Research suggests that silence can improve self-control and relaxation; alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological stress; and increase our perception of the present moment.

While some of us may feel ready to jump full throttle into silence, for others, total quiet can feel a bit disconcerting. Some cultures are more comfortable with silence than others, but many of us have been socialized to understand silence, particularly in conversation, as a personal failure or as being rejected or judged. Silence can therefore trigger feelings of social anxiety or self-doubt.

Additionally, as we’ve adjusted to spending more time on our mobile phones, we’ve become less accustomed to sitting with silence, meaning that it can make us feel uncomfortable or under-stimulated. But silence can be an invitation dive deeper into ourselves and our surroundings.

Quiet down

There are many ways to give your mind and body some love by embracing a quieter life. Instead of using vacation time for sightseeing-packed, busy holidays, a record number of travellers are flocking to “calmcations” that involve silent retreats, digital detox cabins, and silent walking tours. Some of these experiences, like the well-known Vipassana silent retreats, are rooted in traditional Buddhist and Hindu spiritual and cultural practices.

While silent travel is becoming more popular, you don’t need to leave your neighbourhood—or even your home—to find calm. Try going for a silent walk with friends to engage more deeply with the landscape and experience one another’s presence in a new way; spending time in nature can help magnify the benefits of silence on one’s mood and well-being.

Consider having one “silent dinner” a week to wind down after a long and stimulating day; instead of making conversation, pay attention to the taste and textures of your food and engage with the details of the room around you. You can also block quiet mornings or evenings, where you and other family members remain as silent as possible. Of course, meditation is a time-tested option for embracing quiet stillness.

And for all the moments when you can’t choose silence, you can choose to protect your hearing. Consider investing in a good-quality pair of earplugs that filter out background noise—your heart and mind will thank you.

This article was originally published in the February 2026 issue of alive magazine.