The need for silence seems to be increasing, but is it healthy? †

Noise pollution can lead to serious health problems such as insomnia and heart problems. in category healthy or not health journalist Tijn Elferink explores a confusing subject. Is it healthy to seek silence?

When we think of noise, we usually think of noise pollution. Airplanes and road traffic are a nuisance, but the monotonous hum of windmills also discourages some.

According to Elise van Kempen, researcher in noise and health at the RIVM, almost a million Dutch people suffer a lot from road traffic noise.

This can lead to other health problems such as sleeping problems and heart problems. According to the World Health Organization WHO, noise pollution is a health problem.

The pursuit of silence is therefore popular. Natuurmonumenten offers special quiet walks for “conscious walking in nature”. National Park Dwingelderveld has been declared the quietest area in the Netherlands, marked by the nature organization with the establishment of a so-called “silence bank”.

No noise, phone and social media for a while

Boat charter company Inge Cruijsen also sees an increasing need for silence. “We get a lot of people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. No noise, no telephone and no social media for a while. You can anchor anywhere in the Biesbosch to spend the night on the silent electric block boat and wake up to the song. of many bird species.”

“Even in a soundproofed room, you can hear your heart, body and breathing.”

Marcel CoBUSES, auditory culture teacher

Is it healthy to seek silence? It starts with the nuance that silence does not exist, says Marcel CoBus, professor of auditory culture at Leiden University. “Even in a soundproofed room, you can hear your heart, body and breathing.”

sound judgment

Whether a sound is a nuisance is a matter of discretion, and that goes beyond just sound. “A neighbor you get along with? Is construction noise improving the neighborhood? Does the sound belong to a certain place?” CoBus gives examples. Van Kempen of RIVM: “The chirping of birds is positively valued in comparison with accelerating traffic.”

The contrast is that quiet areas are under a lot of pressure and cities have become quieter over the past hundred years thanks to quieter asphalt, electric cars and stricter noise standards.

your sound bubble to create

The need for silence seems to be increasing even more, says CoBUS. “For many, silence is the desire for less noise. And more outspoken voices that are easier to distinguish from each other.” This desire seems to be more common among the higher social classes. “They’re probably more used to the silence in their well-insulated homes.”

“A quiet retreat can help us become more aware of the sounds around us and how they direct our behavior.”

Marcel CoBUSES, auditory culture teacher

This may also explain the success of the so-called noise reduction; headphones and earplugs that attenuate ambient noise. “Make yourself sound bubble and also stay away from unpleasant social interactions.

Positives of a peaceful retreat?

Tranquil retreats fall into the same category. “It was suggested that you return to be reborn,” the CoBUs say. “Maybe, but it is essentially no different from a ‘normal’ holiday.

However, the tranquility of a retreat or a block boat in the Biesbosch also has its advantages. “It can help us become aware of the noise around us and how those sounds guide our behaviour. For example: I hear the bell, so I have to open the front door. Or: the washing machine that is running indicates that I will soon go do laundry needs to be hung.”

“Listen to what surrounds you as if you were listening to a symphony: a world opens up to you.

Marcel CoBUSES, auditory culture teacher

During the corona, the environment was also quieter and the sound more diverse due to fewer planes and more birds.

“That could lead to date when we could also have recorded our sounds environment. to be.”

like a symphony

Composer John Cage spoke of the sounds:If we try to ignore them, they disturb us; when we listen to them, when we accept them, they are fascinating.I

According to CoBUS, this is a very important lesson for us to start finding interesting, initially unpleasant sounds like an airplane. “Listen to what surrounds you as if you were listening to a symphony: a world opens up to you.

judgement

Silence is not so healthy. And fortunately, because it is never quiet. First of all, noise pollution is unhealthy. Still, there are benefits to seeking silence. It can be helpful to be aware of the sounds that drive our behavior, such as plugging in a spinning washing machine to: I need to hang up the laundry.

Source: NU

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