A study claims that people living near busy roads are more likely to suffer from tinnitus.
The extension of cities means that traffic may become heavier. In addition, in large cities, more and more people are forced to live close to busy roads. This is for example the case in Paris for people living near the Grands Boulevards or the ring road. However, being exposed to this heavy traffic on a daily basis can have an impact on our health.
First of all, local residents are more exposed to exhaust gases and pollution. This can therefore impact the respiratory system and increase the risk of cancer. But a recent study by Danish researchers found another unintended consequence of heavy traffic.
According to their analyses, being exposed to too much traffic increases the risk of developing tinnitus. Their findings were published in the journal Study Finds.
A large-scale study involving more than 3 million people
For this study, the team from the Department of Clinical Research and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute (Denmark) worked with a large panel of volunteers. Indeed, they are analyzed the data provided by more than 3.5 million people. In total they have recorded more than 40,000 cases of tinnitus. This means that about one in 10 people could be affected by the phenomenon.
But if it affects about one person in ten, this phenomenon would be even more important depending on the level of decibels listened to. Concretely, the researchers measured the intensity of the noise to which the Danes were exposed to their homes. However, noise is louder near busy roads and accesses. The risk of tinnitus would thus increase every 10 decibels.
Worse still, simple exposure to street noise that is too loud would increase by a maximum of 6% if outside noise exceeds 60 decibels. By comparison, exposure to traffic noise for 1-3 hours per week is considered tiring for the body.
Tinnitus directly linked to other effects caused by traffic that is too dense and too close
The other problem with tinnitus is that it depends a lot on the quality of sleep and the rest of the body. However, exposure to traffic can impact the sleep of city dwellers. In fact, it is difficult for them to get enough sleep. It can also increase the stress levels of those affected.
Even if tinnitus can occur naturally as you age, it is important to sleep well and isolate yourself from noise to avoid these whistles. Ideally, the researchers recommend installing the bedroom in the room farthest from the noise of the street. And if necessary, also consider using earplugs at night.