When you were a teenager blasting music with the windows down, hearing health was probably the last thing on your mind. The volume was exciting, and the only thing that mattered was enjoying the moment.
As the years went by, maybe you spent weekends packed into loud concert venues, cranked movie theaters, or even stepped into a career where noise was part of the job description. Back then, the idea that sound could cause long-term harm likely never crossed your mind. But noise can affect your body far more than most people realize.
Today, we know better. Noise-induced hearing loss is already showing up in kids as young as 12. And believe it or not, sound is powerful enough that certain frequencies have even been used as weapons.
Can sound actually make you sick?
Surprisingly, yes. Research has shown that both extremely loud sounds and certain frequencies can trigger real, measurable health problems.
The impact of loud noise on your body
Inside your inner ear are delicate hair cells responsible for translating sound vibrations into signals your brain can interpret. These microscopic structures don’t regenerate. Once damaged, they’re gone for good—and that’s how permanent sensorineural hearing loss develops.
Here’s what we know:
- 85 decibels, over several hours, can begin causing damage.
- 100+ decibels can cause permanent harm in as little as 15 minutes.
- 120 decibels—the average volume of a concert—creates immediate, irreversible injury.
But the effects of noise don’t stop at your ears. Loud sound increases stress hormones in the body, which can raise blood pressure, contribute to heart disease, and even cause headaches or memory issues. These symptoms are closely tied to cardiovascular stress.
One study found that sound can influence heart function and hormone levels at just 45 decibels—about the volume of a quiet conversation.
The role of sound frequency
A few years ago, diplomats in Cuba reported troubling symptoms linked to unusual sounds. The volume wasn’t particularly loud—some said they could drown it out with a TV. So how did it make people sick?
The key factor was frequency, not loudness.
High frequencies
Sharp, high-pitched sounds can be harmful even at moderate volumes. Think about:
- The infamous chalkboard screech
- A violin note that makes you wince
- The squeal of machinery or electronics
That uncomfortable, painful reaction is your auditory system signaling distress. Over time, repeated exposure—or exposure at higher intensities—can cause lasting damage.
What’s more, some high-frequency sounds are beyond normal human hearing, but still capable of harming the auditory system through prolonged exposure. Sensors, appliances, and industrial equipment may emit these tones without you ever noticing.
Low frequencies
Low-frequency sound, known as infrasound, can also affect your health. These powerful vibrations move through the body instead of the ear alone, sometimes causing:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pressure sensations
- Visual disturbances similar to those experienced before migraines
You may not hear these frequencies, but your body certainly responds to them.
How to protect your hearing
Pay attention to how different sounds make you feel. Pain, discomfort, ringing, pressure, or dizziness around certain noises are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. Persistent exposure can lead to tinnitus—a constant ringing or buzzing that can interfere with daily life.
The best way to stay proactive?
Schedule regular hearing evaluations with a hearing specialist. Tracking changes early allows you to protect your hearing before permanent damage occurs.
Your ears work hard for you—taking steps to safeguard them now can protect your long-term health.