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High Traffic Noise Linked to Tinnitus

Trouble sleeping; traffic noise tinnitus concept

Don't move yet, but researchers have found a link between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus (or worsening the condition).

A February 2023 Science Daily release from the University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences says that "there is a need for more focus on the importance of traffic noise for health. It is alarming that noise seems to increase the risk of tinnitus, cardiovascular diseases and dementia, among other diseases."

Tinnitus is associated with stress and poor sleep. Traffic noise is also associated with stress and poor sleep. Traffic noise can make us stressed and leads to us sleeping poorly, which starts a cycle of continued high stress and lack of sleep.

The new study is based on 3.5 million people in Demark. Researchers found that the more traffic noise Danish residents are exposed to in their homes, the more they are at risk of developing tinnitus.

They also found that for every 10 decibels of more noise in your home, the risk of developing tinnitus increases by six percent.

There are steps you can take to reduce traffic noise in your home:

1. Move your bedroom to the side of your house that doesn't face the road.
2. Replace the windows in your bedroom with soundproof, double- or triple-paned windows.
3. Seal your windows and walls with an acoustic sealant, and use weather-stripping as well.
4. Replace the curtains in your bedroom with soundproof curtains.
5. Put barriers between the road and your house, like acoustic fencing, brick walls, and thick bushes.

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