We’ve all heard about the numerous studies that show loud noise can play a role on hearing loss, but did you know it can also impact your heart?
In a recently published peer-reviewed journal, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, it was found that when employee’s spend numerous years in a noisy workplace, their chances of developing serious heart disease double.
The study examined a database of more than 6,000 employees aged 20+, categorized into their occupational noise level. The study found that 21 percent of mostly male employees were exposed to noisy workplaces and were two to three times more likely to have heart disease than workers who did not experience noise exposure.
The study’s authors (from the University of British Columbia) believe that noise exerts the same kind of stress on the body as sudden strong emotion or physical exertion, triggering the release of chemicals that constrict blood flow through the arteries. The U.S. Department of Labor states that approximately 30 million Americans are occupationally exposed to harmful noise at work, and if proper hearing protection isn’t used, the damage can occur in more than just your ears. Standards are currently set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), however, some of the regulations still can present damaging sound waves to employees ears. It’s important to talk to your doctor or audiologist to put your hearing (and overall health) safety in your hands!