Is this how you get to work?
Scientists in Canada have said that getting to work by cycling or taking the train could lead to deafness over time. They have said that being exposed to the loud noises from passing traffic and the noise of trains every day could cause hearing loss eventually.
According to RTÉ, they measured their results through a device worn close to their ear. It compared the different levels of sound on different types of commute.
Cycling was found to be the worst with the highest level of noise detected, while train platforms, particularly underground trains, were also very loud.
Dr Vincent Lin, from the University of Toronto, said:
“This study is the first to look at and quantify the amount of noise people are exposed to during their daily commute, specifically on the Toronto Transit System.
We now are starting to understand that chronic excessive noise exposure leads to significant systemic pathology, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases and increased accident risk. Short, intense noise exposure has been demonstrated to be as injurious as longer, less intense noise exposure.”
His conclusion is that town planning needs to be more conscious of the way that people commute to work, taking into account the need for more open spaces and designated cycle routes.
