Why Do Loud Noises Cause Headaches?

Aching, nauseating, pounding — headaches can really throw off your day. A headache can happen for numerous reasons like stress, weather changes, alcohol use and bright lights, but sound is one of the most common triggers. Keep reading to learn why noise can cause or exacerbate a headache.

Loud Noise and Headaches

A headache is pain resulting from cross-ups between signals from the brain, blood vessels and nearby nerves. Studies have proven a link between noise and two types of headaches — tension headaches and migraines.

A recent study looked at common noise sources like sirens and bells — people with frequent migraines were more sensitive to common sources than subjects who didn’t experience migraines. Researchers suspect we perceive high frequencies to be louder, which is why they cause more pain. Other researchers found that short exposure to loud noise can cause headaches in those who don’t usually get them. Longer exposure leads to desensitization.

Preventing Noise-Related Headaches

Now that we know noise can definitely cause and worsen a headache, you’ll want to find ways to prevent these noise-induced headaches. Here are a few of the most common and effective solutions:

• Be careful when avoiding noise triggers: One of the studies above suggests that you be careful when avoiding noise triggers outright because total avoidance could cause you to grow overly sensitive to noise. Cautious exposure may help desensitize you to certain triggers.
• Wear earplugs or earmuffs: Earplugs reduce the perceived decibel level to prevent hearing loss. Earplugs are best for low-frequency noise, while earmuffs address high-frequency noises, which are the sounds we perceive to be the loudest. However, some companies design earplugs to address specific frequency ranges to suit your needs.
• Prevent noise from reaching your spaces: You can soundproof your house to reduce the likelihood of headaches at home. Add materials that add mass and fill cracks so outside noise can’t get in.
• Reduce reverberations and echoes: Indoor noise can be the most disruptive when it bounces off the walls, so install absorptive materials that prevent reflections and keep noise to a minimum.

Reduce the Impact of Loud Noise When You Soundproof Your Room

At Soundproof Cow, we’re committed to helping people get the peace and quiet they need. If you’re getting headaches from disruptive noise coming from outside, we encourage you to browse our soundproofing products online or get in touch for a free acoustic analysis today!