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Why can constant moderate or high noise levels cause stress, fatigue, and irritability?

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Can bubble curtains protect harbor porpoises from noise pollution? — noise pollution Learn about the impact of underwater noise on marine animals, notably harbour porpoises.

Constant exposure to moderate or high levels of noise acts as a significant environmental stressor that extends beyond simple auditory discomfort. While the primary concern of excessive sound is often hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear, the nonauditory effects are equally profound.12

When individuals are subjected to persistent, elevated noise, the body experiences physiological reactions that contribute to stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. These conditions arise because excessive noise can increase blood pressure and pulse rates, placing the body in a state of heightened physiological arousal. Furthermore, noise pollution interferes with essential activities such as sleep, recreation, and personal communication, which prevents the body and mind from adequately recovering from daily demands.2

In professional or academic settings, this constant stimulation can impair working efficiency and increase the frequency of errors, leading to irritability and cognitive strain. Because these impacts can have long-term consequences for health and well-being, pollution control is essential in both community and workplace environments.132