Scientists from the University of Southern Denmark found that people exposed to noise from nearby highways have a higher risk of developing tinnitus – tinnitus, or noise. The results of the research were published at: magazine Environmental Health Perspectives.
The study involved 3.5 million people. The researchers obtained data on the prevalence of tinnitus and where participants lived. Researchers found more than 40,000 cases of tinnitus.
Road noise increases stress and negatively affects sleep quality. Researchers say this also increases the risk of tinnitus. Therefore, the more traffic noise, the more people are at risk of developing tinnitus.
“For every ten decibels of noise in people’s homes, their risk of developing tinnitus increases by 6%. In general, about 10% of the population experience tinnitus from time to time. In some cases, this can negatively affect a person’s hearing and requires medical attention.
In previous work, the authors found a link between road noise, dementia, and heart disease. To reduce the effect of noise, scientists recommend sleeping in the quietest room and installing soundproof windows.