International Noise Awareness Day is celebrated every year on April 25. It helps spread awareness about the effects of noise on our welfare and health. On the day, several noise pollution-related events take place around the country. They include lectures that aim to teach people about the effects of noise on public health.
History of International Noise Awareness Day
Founded by the Center for Hearing and Communication (C.H.C.) in 1996, International Noise Awareness Day is an opportunity to spread awareness about the effects of noise pollution on our mental and physical health. The global campaign is observed worldwide, such as in Germany, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Spain, and the United States.
A common effect of noise pollution is hearing loss. Several everyday activities and events generate a lot of noise. For instance, loud music from smartphones and other listening devices can cause hearing damage. Similarly, fitness classes, entertainment venues, concerts, noisy restaurants, and sports bars generate a lot of noise. Hearing loss results when we’re constantly exposed to loud sounds. The louder the sounds, the faster the hearing damage occurs. The length of exposure to loud sounds also affects the amount of damage. However, personal hearing protection devices like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs can protect the ears from damage.
So, noise affects people’s health, wellness, safety, and comfort. However, most people don’t even realize the impact of noise on their mental or physical well-being until too late. International Noise Awareness Day aims to teach people what they need to know to protect their hearing and keep themselves physically and mentally fit. The holiday also shows that people can maintain healthy hearing in their old age by taking certain precautions and avoiding specific situations.
International Noise Awareness Day timeline
The U.S. establishes public policies to address noise pollution.
Congress passes the Noise Control Act to protect public health from noise pollution.
Around 20 million Americans experience permanent hearing loss.
About 12% to 15% of people in Germany experience noise levels of 85 decibels or higher, leading to significant hearing losses.
International Noise Awareness Day FAQs
How does noise affect kids?
Living in a noisy area can affect a child’s brain development and language acquisition skills.
Is noise pollution a crime?
People have won many lawsuits over noise pollution; however, it is not a crime.
Does noise cause headaches?
Noise pollution can lead to both episodic tension headaches and chronic headaches.
How to Observe International Noise Awareness Day
Check your hearing
Pay a visit to the doctor to get your hearing checked. It’s always good to know the state of your health.
Reduce the volume
We can get carried away when listening to music. It’s important to remember to protect the health of our ears by lowering the volume. You don’t need to go loud to get into the rhythm.
Don’t make lots of noise
You can celebrate the holiday by avoiding activities where you contribute to noise pollution. This can include shouting or honking.
5 Interesting Facts About Hearing Loss
It affects many people
In the U.S., about 48 million people experience noise-induced hearing loss.
There is no cure
Hearing loss currently has no cure; it can only be managed.
It can be caused by illness
Many Americans have reported a loss of hearing due to diabetes or cancer.
It affects everyone
Research has shown that hearing loss affects people aged 12 to 64.
Not many people use hearing aids
Only one in five people with hearing loss use hearing aids in the U.S.
Why International Noise Awareness Day is Important
It creates awareness
The holiday helps create awareness. People learn more about the effects of noise pollution and why they should not listen to songs at the highest volume.
It protects our health
The spread of information about noise pollution encourages more people to take measures to protect their hearing. This helps them stay healthy for a longer time.
It makes us safer
We make our environment safer when we consciously reduce the noise we make. Lack of noise pollution allows us to stay alert.
International Noise Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 25 | Sunday |
| 2028 | April 25 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | April 25 | Wednesday |
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