Key takeaways:
Traffic noise reduces the stress-relief benefits of natural sounds.
Faster traffic (40 mi/h) causes more stress and anxiety than slower traffic.
The study did not measure long-term health effects like cortisol or blood pressure.
Traffic Pollution
A recent study shows that traffic noise reduces the benefits of nature and increases both stress and anxiety. We can all agree that listening to the sound of waves or the wind rustling through leaves feels soothing and relaxing. But when a honk or the screech or humming of tires breaks the moment, the experience is ruined.
Published in the journal PLOS ONE on November 27, 2024, the study shows that traffic noise can hinder nature’s positive effects on mood. Worse it raises stress and anxiety levels, with louder, and faster traffic having the worst impact.
Traffic Noise Diminishes the Benefits of Nature
To assess how traffic noise affects human health, researchers from the University of the West of England asked 68 students to listen to three-minute soundscapes. The first was a recording of natural sounds like birdsong captured at sunrise in West Sussex. The second mixed these natural sounds with vehicle noise recorded at 20 mi/h (32 km/h). The third combined birdsong with the noise of vehicles traveling at 40 mi/h (64 km/h), speeds typical of urban roads in the UK. The participant’s general mood and anxiety levels were evaluated before and after listening by using validated psychological scales.
The data showed that listening to purely natural sounds reduced self-reported stress and anxiety levels by up to 25% compared to a stressed baseline. Nature sounds also helped participants recover better from stress, but these benefits diminished when traffic noise was added. The soundscape with only natural sounds resulted in the lowest levels of stress and anxiety, while the highest levels were reported after listening to the soundscape with 40 mi/h traffic noise, which is a statistically significant jump.
Why does traffic noise affect us so badly? The study suggests that traffic noise may trigger physiological stress responses, such as increased cortisol levels, although it did not directly measure these effects. In contrast, natural sounds are thought to activate relaxation pathways in the brain. Also, participants already susceptible to anxiety felt the effects most, suggesting that urban noises could disproportionately harm this vulnerable group. Prior research has already linked chronic noise exposure to risks like hypertension and depression, though this study didn’t measure those.
Urban Areas: Lowering Speeds to Improve Well-Being
According to the British research team, led by Lia R.V. Gilmour, reducing traffic speed in urban areas could enhance resident’s access to nature’s calming effects which could improve health and well-being beyond just road safety. “Our study highlights how natural soundscapes aid mood recovery, while traffic noise masks these benefits,” they wrote. “Lowering speeds is a practical step cities can take.” For example, switching from 40 mi/h to 20 mi/h traffic noise not only cut stress levels but could align with current trends like quieter electric vehicles and greener urban planning.
FAQs
What did the study measure?
It measured changes in stress and anxiety based on different sound environments.
Who were the participants?
68 university students, mostly young and from urban areas.
Did the study prove traffic noise causes stress?
No, it showed a strong link but didn’t prove direct causation.
What types of traffic noise were used?
General traffic sounds at 20 and 40 mi/h, but no specific breakdown of honking or sirens.
Did researchers measure things like cortisol?
No, only self-reported mood and anxiety were recorded.
Can slower traffic improve health?
Possibly, but the study didn’t provide direct evidence for long-term health benefits.
Related Reading:
Weak Traffic Noise Can Impact Work Performance Adversely
Study Shows That Living near an Airport Can Raise Blood Pressure
Bottom Line
While the study offers valuable insights, its scope is limited. The term “traffic noise” is too vague; recorded during rush hour, yet unclear if it includes tire friction, honking, humming engines, or emergency sirens, each potentially affecting mood differently. The research overlooks temporal factors, such as whether nighttime noise might exacerbate stress by disrupting sleep. Conducted with only 68 students who are predominantly young urban females, the findings may not generalize to older adults, rural populations, or diverse demographics. Furthermore, the three-minute recording of noises fails to reflect chronic exposure, which could lead to broader health issues, such as cardiovascular strain, insomnia or even hearing loss. The suggestion that a lower traffic speed could improve health outcomes also needs to be backed by more direct evidence. Without exploring varied noise types, longer exposure durations, and a broader range of health effects, the study offers a preliminary rather than a definitive perspective.
For individuals looking to protect themselves, there are several ways to reduce exposure to harmful traffic noise. Soundproofing windows and walls, using thick curtains, or installing acoustic panels can help block outside noise at home. Wearing noise-canceling headphones, playing calming background sounds indoors, and spending time in quieter green spaces like parks away from major roads can also reduce the mental impact of noise. Choosing quieter times of day for outdoor activities and supporting city efforts to create low-noise zones are additional steps people can take to protect their well-being.
References
Gilmour, L. R. V., Bray, I., Alford, C., & Lintott, P. R. (2024). Natural soundscapes enhance mood recovery amid anthropogenic noise pollution. PLOS ONE, 19(11), e0311487. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311487