Wednesday, April 28, 2004 is International Noise Awareness Day. Sponsored each year by the Noise Center of the League for the Hard of Hearing (LHH), its aim is to raise the public's consciousness about how noise including everyday sounds can affect one's quality of life, hearing, and overall health.

"Work-related hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases in the United States," says Dr. Linda Rosenstock, director of NIOSH. Also, prolonged exposure to recreational and household noises, such as a motorcycle, hair dryer, or lawn mower, can be enough to cause hearing loss.

In addition to the obvious connection between noise and hearing loss, some medical surveys have linked noise to sleep disorders, inability to concentrate, stress, hormonal instability and hypertension. Such studies give credence to LHH's catchphrase for this year's Noise Awareness Day: "Protect your hearing. Protect your health!?"

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