International Noise Awareness Day

International Noise Awareness Day is an annual global event dedicated to educating people about the harmful effects of noise. It advocates for optimal noise conditions in both everyday life and the workplace. It is observed on the last Wednesday in April.

History

The history of International Noise Awareness Day dates back to 1996, when it was established by the Center for Hearing and Communication. The aim is to raise awareness about the impact of noise on human health.

Excessive noise pollution, when experienced constantly, can lead to significant hearing loss or severe deterioration of hearing. Noise is essentially a combination of sounds with varying characteristics, which, when layered, can cause discomfort and stress. This negative factor impacts both the physical and mental well-being of individuals.

While noise control standards are typically enforced in industrial settings, the issue extends to everyday environments, particularly in large cities. The noise from crowds, construction, and traffic creates a pervasive “noise curtain” that negatively affects health. To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to spend more time in quieter, rural areas and to create a peaceful environment at home.

Interesting Facts

• Noise can cause stress, tinnitus, headaches, high blood pressure, and other symptoms.
• The human ear can perceive sounds from 16 Hz (below this range is infrasound) to 20,000 Hz (above this range is ultrasound).
• The average safe noise level is 40 dB, but in large cities, it can reach as high as 70 dB.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about how noise affects the body. Consider getting a noise meter to measure sound levels at home, outdoors, or at work. Take appropriate action based on the results.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask others if they have experienced problems due to excessive noise and encourage them to share their experiences.

When is International Noise Awareness Day in 2025?

International Noise Awareness Day is observed on the last Wednesday of April.

Observations