Global Noise Insensitivity - A Complex Analysis of the Problem

The alarming reports of World Health Organisation concerning hearing loss among modern societies are well known and widely discussed. They state that over 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and that by the year 2050 one in every ten people will suffer from hearing impairment. These statistics, though shocking, seem to have no impact on global mentality. Juridical regulations limiting noise values, especially concerning recreational noise in public spaces, in many countries are insufficient or even do not exist at all. However, the main problem and reason of such condition are people themselves, persistently rejecting the fact of how noisy environments - e.g. clubs, shopping malls or loud concerts - influence their health. The aim of the presented paper is to examine the primary source of a global insensitivity to loudness issue. Together with the objective measurements, a subjective evaluation of noise annoyance in public spaces was performed. In the comparison with noise policies and regulations applied worldwide, the complex analysis of current situation was carried out. Only being aware of general opinion on noise issues, the effective legal actions can be introduced.