Thus far, studies have shown that the effects of noise includes induced hearing impairment, hypertension and sleep disturbance and reduced intellectual/academic performance. A report from 2011 by The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “there is sufficient evidence from large-scale epidemiological studies linking the population’s exposure to environmental noise with adverse health effects. Environmental noise should therefore be considered not only as a cause of nuisance, but also a concern for public health and environmental health.”
A recent study uncovered in AWE International’s article “Environmental Noise Monitoring” (16 ^th Feb, 2016) estimates that “approximately 20% of the EU’s population (approx. 80 million people) suffer from unacceptable noise levels that cause sleep disturbance, annoyance and adverse health effects”. With such significant numbers impacted by noise this cannot be ignored.
The influx of evidence on how noise can impact our health demonstrates why there is a need for continuous research. Researchers at the German Aerospace Centre will be conducting a study this year to identify the impacts of aircraft noise on children; considered to be the most ‘vulnerable’ group of people. Research such as this will create more scope for controls and standards to be further established. Only then will there be opportunity for technology and innovation to support these improved standards.
It is interesting to note that in the UK, the quality management standard BS 4142 (2014), one of the factors in assessing or predicting noise impacts includes ‘the likely duration of the noise and the ability and/or willingness to control its impact’.

This ‘attitude’ is important to note, as it can assist in the acceptance and/ or tolerance of noise. In our experience in providing noise control to construction projects, organisations that are appearing to be proactive by demonstrating to receivers that noise control is already being put in place are less likely to be faced with opposition of noisy construction works. Dermot Moloney (MIOA, MIEnvSc, MInstSCE, CSc), a Chartered Scientist, director of Moloney & Associates, a noise and vibration consultancy, comments that exceeding the requirements of such a professional body is one of the best ways of demonstrating continuous professional development.
In the vast and growing field of study into noise/acoustic research and monitoring, this supports our findings from a construction perspective that demonstrating best practise ie. going above and beyond is beneficial for those affected by noise.

Echo Barrier, the leading solution for temporary noise control has already been involved in larger projects where there is a certain responsibility to support the needs of the local/affected community in regards to noise control.
These include Regional Rail Link in Melbourne and Sydney Light Rail in Sydney. Echo Barrier supports such research as it will resonate amongst the Australian community that noise is an issue and that there are ways to minimise the negative impact it can have on us all.

To read more about projects Echo Barrier Australia are involved in, contact us at info@echobarrier.com.au or visit our website at www.echobarrier.com.au