Less Noise = Less Stress

We talk alot on this website about the adverse effects of noises in the dental office.  What many people don’t realize is that noise takes a physical and mental toll on us even when it is just in the background. The reason is, noise can act as a stimulant that kicks our body into stress mode; hormones are released, heart rate changes, etc. What’s more, even if an individual is able to mentally “tune out” the noise, their body may still be reacting and putting itself in this heightened state. Over time, this heightened stressful state takes a toll on the body. Academic studies have born this out with observations of irritable people in noisy factories, or low test scores from children in schools situated close to busy airports.

I just wanted to encourage everyone to take a minute and listen to the noise around them and consider how it might be affecting them. This is especially important for those with ASD and heightened sensativities to certain sounds. The good news is there’s simple things you can do to help the situation:

1.) Seal the Door

Even when a door is closed, noise and sound will find it’s way through the cracks. In fact, the biggest culprit to sound getting through the door is often the crack at the bottom between the door and the floor. Some simple weather stripping from the local hardware store, or even a rolled up towel laid at the bottom of the door will make a big difference.

2.) Soft Walls will Help

When sound bounces around a room (reverberation), the room will sound louder. If you spend time in a room with a cement floor, bare walls, and hard ceiling, noise will be a bigger problem. Acoustics engineer using fix this by adding something soft or plush to the room. A large rug on the floor, thick curtains on the walls, or cheap ceiling tiles can make a big difference.

3.) Ear Protection Works

They may not win any fashion awards, but a pair of earplugs or earmuffs will go along way to protecting your hearing and your sanity if you have to venture into any loud environment. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Those cheap foam earplugs from your big-box store of choice will do wonders. Here’s the quick test: if you can’t sleep at the end of a day because of the ringing in your ears, then you’ve done damage to your hearing and should wear hearing protection next time.

4.) Some Noise is Good

Not everyone likes dead quiet. There are sounds that help us relax and focus. Waves on the beach or the sound of a gentle rain are sounds that people find enjoyable. Even more, these sounds can be used to block out the stuff that is irritating (what audio engineers call “masking”). Sometimes, a simple fan blowing air in the corner is enough, if not there are a variety of sound machines, noise maskers, and CDs to choose from. b-Calm has developed technologies that work to bring a robust version of noise masking, called AudioSedation, to individuals with ADD and ADHD.

5.) Think of Noise Like Pollution

Just as we look to avoid dirty air and polluted water, we need to look out for noise pollution. If you’re looking for a new home or apartment take a minute to walk around and listen for noises that you may not want to listen too every day. It’s easy to dismiss these things, but you may reget it later when the distant rumble of a nearby intersection keeps you awake at night. When possible, get out into the country and get away from the background roar of the city. An hour or two at your favorite state park will do wonders for your whole body.

Hopefully these ideas will help make your world a little quieter. It doesn’t take much to give your ears a break, and your mind and body will thank you.

Curtis Carroll
Engineer
b-Calm llc.