International Noise Awareness Day, celebrated every year on April 30, is an important event aimed at raising public awareness about the harmful effects of excessive noise on human health. Noise pollution has become an inevitable part of modern life, continuously emitted from many sources such as traffic, industry, construction activities, and loud entertainment events. However, the destructive impacts of this pollution on human health are often overlooked. In 2025, INAD once again invites individuals and communities to assess the noise in their environment and take steps toward creating quieter and healthier living spaces.
Although noise is an unavoidable part of daily life, constant or sudden sounds above a certain level pose serious threats to both physical and psychological health. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels may lead to hearing loss. This occurs due to damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear and typically results in irreversible hearing impairment. Additionally, continuous exposure to noise triggers the body’s stress response, increasing cortisol levels and leading to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
The health effects of noise pollution are not limited to hearing loss and mental health. It also directly contributes to serious consequences such as sleep disturbances, reduced cognitive functions, learning difficulties—especially in children—and increased cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that long-term noise exposure significantly raises the risk of hypertension, heart diseases, and stroke. Moreover, disrupted sleep quality decreases individual productivity and negatively affects overall quality of life.
International Noise Awareness Day not only highlights these issues but also calls upon individuals and institutions to take responsibility in creating quieter living environments. Personal precautions against noise include controlling sound levels, using hearing protection in noisy environments, opting for quieter transportation methods, and ensuring sound insulation in homes and workplaces. On a societal level, creating quiet zones in urban planning, implementing stricter regulations in high-noise sectors such as industry and construction, and increasing public awareness about noise are of great importance.
In conclusion, noise pollution is an invisible yet powerful threat of modern life, and taking effective measures against it should be an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. International Noise Awareness Day is not just a reminder but also a call to action for a quieter, healthier, and more livable world. Through individual and collective efforts, it is possible to reduce noise and make our environment more peaceful.
