Noise

Noise impacts on health in a variety of ways. It is well known that very loud noise can damage the hearing organs. This damage is sometimes temporary, but on occasions permanent hearing loss can arise. Recently studies have found that levels of noise that do not damage hearing can effect health in measurable ways by:

• Disturbing sleep
• Interfering with communication and learning
• Increasing stress hormone levels
• Annoyance

The Environmental Health Committee has published a summary of the evidence regarding the Health Effects of Environmental Noise (PDF, 1.5Mb).

In NSW, the Department of Environment and Conservation shares responsibility for enforcing noise control regulations with local government, NSW Police and the Waterways Authority.