Noise Nuisance: WHO Definition and Health Impact

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines noise nuisance as:

“Any sound that is undesirable because it may cause annoyance, interfere with normal activities, or cause physiological or psychological harm.”

This encompasses environmental (traffic, industry), occupational, and social noise. Chronic exposure links to cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in children, sleep disturbance, tinnitus, and mental health deterioration.

WHO guidelines recommend ≤53 dB Lden for road traffic, ≤45 dB Lden for aircraft, ≤40 dB Lnight for nighttime outdoor noise to protect health.