The impact of noise on your health

Imagine you’re sitting in a conference room. You’re trying to concentrate, but a fan is humming in the background, colleagues are talking in the hallway, and a cell phone is vibrating on the table. You feel your heart rate increase and your concentration fade. You ask yourself: Why can’t I stand the noise?

You are not alone. Many Danes – both children and adults – find that noise affects their well-being, concentration and health. In this article, we delve into why some people are particularly sensitive to noise, how it affects us physically and mentally, and what we can do to create healthier sound environments – both in schools, at work and at home.

What is noise – and why does it feel so stressful?

Noise is not just loud sounds. It is unwanted sound – sounds that disturb, irritate or stress us. It can be anything from traffic noise and ventilation systems to conversations in open office environments. What is background noise for one person can be a source of anxiety and discomfort for another.

The impact of noise depends on both the nature of the sound and the individual's sensitivity. Some people have a lower threshold for when sound becomes bothersome. This may be due to hearing loss, neurological differences, stress level or simply personal preferences. According to the Danish Hearing Association , many people with hearing loss experience that noise exacerbates their challenges in social and work contexts.

What happens in the body when we are exposed to noise?

Noise is not just a nuisance – it is a stressor. When we are exposed to continuous or sudden noise, the body’s fight-or-flight response is activated. This means that stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, which can lead to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and a weakened immune system.

Over time, this can lead to serious health consequences. According to the Weekly, there is a documented link between noise and sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases and psychological distress. For children, noise can affect learning and concentration, and for adults it can lead to reduced work capacity and increased sick leave.

Why are some people more sensitive to noise?

There are several reasons why some people cannot tolerate noise to the same extent as others:

1. Hearing loss and tinnitus

People with hearing loss often have difficulty sorting out relevant sounds from background noise. This makes it difficult to follow conversations in noisy environments. Tinnitus – a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears – can exacerbate this sensitivity. According to the Mølholm Private Hospital , many with tinnitus experience that even ordinary sounds can feel overwhelming.

2. Neurological differences

People with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder may have a lower threshold for sensory input – including sound. For them, noise can feel like a bombardment that is exhausting and disruptive.

3. Stress and mental strain

When we are stressed, we become more sensitive to external stimuli. An otherwise harmless sound can seem overwhelming if we are already stressed. This creates a vicious cycle where noise worsens stress, and stress increases noise sensitivity.

4. Age-related changes

As we age, our hearing changes. This can mean that we hear certain frequencies less well, while other sounds – such as sharp or high tones – are experienced as more bothersome. According to Videnskab.dk , reduced ability to understand speech in noise can also be an early sign of cognitive impairment.

Noise in schools and workplaces – an invisible threat

Noise is one of the most overlooked factors in the indoor environment. In schools, it can affect children's learning, well-being and social relationships. According to the University of Southern Denmark, children with hearing impairments have particular difficulty navigating noisy classrooms, which can lead to isolation and academic challenges.

In the workplace, noise can lead to reduced productivity, more errors and increased sick leave. Open office spaces, ventilation systems and conversations crisscrossing the room create a sound environment that can be difficult to navigate – especially for those who are already sensitive to noise.

How can we create healthier sound environments?

The first step is to acknowledge that noise is part of the indoor climate – in line with CO₂, temperature and humidity. At ÅBN we call CO₂ “the invisible guest” because it affects us without us seeing it. The same goes for noise. It is invisible, but noticeable.

With ÅBN's Cloud , you can visualize the indoor climate – including noise levels – in real time. This makes it possible to act proactively before noise becomes a problem. When data becomes visible, it also becomes tangible. This creates a shared understanding and a shared responsibility to improve the environment.

Examples of solutions:

Interior design with noise-absorbing materials
Behavioral changes – e.g. quiet zones and meeting culture
Using technology to measure and visualize noise
Involving users in the solutions

At ÅBN, we work with behavioral change as a central part of our approach. When people understand how their behavior affects the indoor climate – including noise – they also become more motivated to change it.

What can you do if you can't stand the noise?

If you find that noise is negatively affecting you, there are several things you can do:

1. Talk about it

Noise sensitivity is not a sign of weakness. It is a real challenge that many share. Talk to your colleagues, your manager or your child's school about your experiences. Often there is understanding – and a willingness to find solutions.