Widex survey of traffic noise

In cooperation with Professor Prasher of the Ear Institute, University College London, Widex has conducted a survey of traffic noise in 41 British cities during rush hour periods. Traffic noise was measured because it is the one element we are all exposed to in today’s world.

The Widex Noise Report

The result of the survey is the Widex Noise Report, which states the noise levels in the 41 cities and elaborates on the consequences for our hearing and general state of health.

Some surprising results in the survey were identified since some small towns showed higher levels of noise than expected and appeared in the top 10 noisy places. The noisiest city in the survey exceeded 80 dB, while the quietest city had a noise level at around 60 dB. Big cities like London and Birmingham were not surprisingly placed in the top 3 noisy places.

Hearing impairment

“Noise pollution in our towns and cities is a growing problem and can have a serious long-term impact on our health and well-being. Noise not only annoys but also can raise our stress levels and associated hormone levels. It can disturb sleep and increase the risk of heart disease, and if the noise is loud enough, it can lead to permanent hearing impairment and tinnitus,” says professor Prasher.

It only takes noise levels above 50 dB to create annoyance and irritability, and noise levels above 65 dB to increase the risk of heart diseases. If loud enough, prolonged exposure to traffic noise could lead to irreversible hearing damage.

Protect your hearing

Through the latest digital technology, new hearing aids (such as the Widex Inteo) have never been better at helping hearing impaired people enjoy normal lives. But as noise pollution grows, it is important that we protect our hearing. Professor Prasher’s tips for protecting ears are:

Avoid indecent exposure to noise