Constant annoying noises or loud, sudden sounds both cause an increase in stress, says the Franklin Institute. Extra stress leads to chronic health problems like ulcers, a suppressed immune system and problems with learning. Even traffic noises from a nearby street was shown to increase stress in school-aged children. This interferes with homework, but the stress hormones also carry over into the next day's learning at school. Reducing ambient noise levels through sound-proofing or moving to a quieter neighborhood can both help prevent stress illnesses and learning trouble.
Even if the noise levels in a classroom or workplace are managed by dampening equipment sounds or keeping talking to a minimum, noises from the exterior environment disrupt learning. Workplaces and schools built under airline lanes or near train tracks require more sound-proofing to prevent learning disruption and stress, according to Education World. Studies from Cornell University show that students exposed to regular noise disruption at school had lower reading abilities than their peers at quieter schools.
Setting classroom rules to limit whispering or idle talk helps keep students quiet and focused on their work. Some other causes of noise, such as loud air conditioning equipment or nearby train tracks, can be muffled by sound-proofing materials, says Quiet Classrooms. However, very loud noises over 80 decibels often cut through basic attempts at muffling. Schools under direct airline traffic lanes have funding available for more effective installations. A few homes may receive help as well, but most homeowners must spend their own money blocking out distracting airline noise.
Children may live and learn in quiet environments but still raise their own stress levels through loud noise. Headphones and loud sounds on video games injure the ear and lead to hearing problems later in life. Adding noise education programs to public schools helps prevent health issues in older students. Boys are four times as likely to suffer from hearing issues by high school age, according to Education World. However, early education helps students remember to keep music turned down when using headphones.