We live surrounded by noise: we tolerate it, we adapt, but at what cost? A new study reveals how urban traffic not only pollutes the environment, but also our mental balance
The traffic noise it is an integral part of city life: horns, engines and shouts make up an omnipresent soundtrack that we often accept as inevitable. We often tell ourselves that we “get used to it”, but the truth is different: our body and mind never stop suffering the consequences.
Science confirms it: the urban noise it is not a passing annoyance, but a threat to health. Previous studies have shown that exposure to traffic can increase the risk of anxiety, depressionand even cardiovascular disease. In stark contrast, immersing yourself in the sounds of nature has the opposite effect: it calms the nerves, lowers stress and stimulates the mind. But what happens when birdsong mixes with the roar of cars?
Nature and traffic: the possible compromise?
A new study published in PLoS attempted to answer this question. The researchers involved 68 volunteers, inviting them to listen to three different soundscapes:
The results are enlightening. Participants who listened to the natural landscape recorded a clear reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood. However, when the sounds of nature were contaminated by traffic noise, the calming effect diminished, especially as the speed of the cars increased.
This shows that i anthropogenic noises can overshadow the benefits of contact with nature. Yet, according to the authors of the study, reducing traffic speed could be a first step towards improving the quality of life in the city, creating healthier and more pleasant multisensory environments.
Rethinking cities: greener, less noise
Noise is not just an acoustic issue. It affects our well-being on profound levels. Integrate green spaces in urban contexts it is not just an aesthetic choice: it is a necessity for mental and physical health. Trees, parks and green areas offer a refuge from city stress, reducing cortisol levels and improving quality of life, as researchers point out:
It is essential to preserve green spaces large enough to protect both wildlife and human well-being.
However, the study highlights a limitation: the research mainly involved university students, a sample that does not represent all segments of the urban population. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of noise on different social and cultural groups.
We cannot ignore the importance of sounds in the environment we live in. THE urban noisesoften accepted as inevitable, induce stress, anxiety and emotional isolation. However, promote the natural silence and reducing noise pollution is not impossible. It’s time to rethink our cities, promoting well-being through policies that encourage biodiversity, reduce traffic speed and encourage sustainable transport.
