The effects of noise on people have not been successfully measured in terms of 'excess deaths' or 'shortened lifespan' or 'days of incapacitating illness.' The only well-established effect of noise on health is that of noise-induced hearing loss. There is clear evidence to support the following statements about the effects on people of exposure to noise of sufficient intensity and duration. Noise can permanently damage the innear with resulting permanent hearing losses that can range from slight impairment to nearly total deafness. Noise can result in temporary hearing losses and repeated exposures to noise can lead to chronic hearing losses. Noise can interfere with speech communication and the perception of other auditory signals. Noise can disturb sleep. Noise can be a source of annoyance. Noise can interfere with the performance of complicated tasks. Noise and other acoustical considerations can reduce the opportunity for privacy. Noise can adversely influence mood and disturb relaxation. In all of these ways noise can affect the essential nature of human life and its quality.

"Prepared by the Central Institute for the Deaf under contract 68-01-05000 for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control." "NTID300.7." "December 31, 1971." Document for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, paper, $1.25. Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-153).

Ear damage and hearing loss -- Masking and interference with speech communication -- Interference with sleep -- Loudness, perceived noisiness, and unacceptability -- Annoyance and community response -- Other possible psychological and sociological effects -- Transient and possible persistent physiological responses to noise.