If we live in an urban environment we are surrounded by noise – sometimes loud, sometimes more background – but it is always there. The sounds could be traffic, railways, airplanes, construction, industrial sounds and noise from pubs, shops and cafes. We are also assailed inside the home and our gardens from increasing noise levels from the technology and household appliances – for example years ago there were no electric leaf blowers, hedge cutters or even lawn mowers.
Remember the hearing never sleeps, so excess noise is affecting us even in the bedroom when we are asleep.
So does all this background noise have an effect on our physical or mental health?
Well the answer to the above question seems to be yes, noise is making us ill and distressed. Noise has an effect on the body as it detected by the ears and processed by the amygdala centre of the brain – this is the area that deals with emotions. The brain might interpret loud sounds as threatening (our evolution has led us to see these sounds as potentially life threatening) – stimulating the “flight or fight” response OR certain sounds are soothing and stimulate the “rest and digest” response.
The flight or fight response in turn triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. If the level of these hormones are raised chronically the physiology of the body is upregulated eg heart rate and blood pressure increase and inflammation occurs.
Clinical studies have shown prolonged raised noise levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, mental illness/anxiety and even auto immune disorders like cancer. Research would tend to indicate prolonged noise levels over 50 Db has a negative effect on health (an average office is about 60 Db and being by the side of a busy road is about 80 Db).
Sounds That Heal
The converse of damaging sound is healing sounds. Typical examples would include –
- Nature sounds
- Gentle weather or water sounds
- Low volume classical music
- Mantra repeated audibly and quietly
- Gong Baths/Sound Therapy
One of the most healing sounds is the Yogic practice of Bhramari. If you wish to practice just follow the guidance below –
- Sit up straight in any Yoga posture in a quiet, well-ventilated corner with your eyes closed. Relax the face.
- Keep your eyes closed for some time. Observe the sensations in the body and the quietness.
- Take a slightly deeper breath than normal then exhale making a humming sound (like a bumble bee).
- Optionally if you wish you intensify the practice by closing the ears to external sounds. This is done by placing the thumbs in the outer ear canal OR pressing the ear cartilage.
- Repeat the humming sound on every exhalation
- Sense the vibration throughout the body
- Practice for up to 10 minutes or until tired
- Lie down in relaxation pose/Shavasana