Road traffic noise, quality of life and mental health among older adults

Traffic noise is a widespread feature of modern life, particularly in urban areas and cities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified traffic noise, including road, rail and air traffic, as the second most important environmental cause of ill-health in Western Europe. Noise exposure can cause a number of short- and long-term health problems, including sleep disturbance, cardiovascular disease, poorer work and school performance, hearing impairment, etc. While the evidence for harmful health effects of noise is growing, there is a lack of evidence for harmful effects on mental health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to investigate whether exposure to road traffic noise is associated with quality of life and mental health in the older population.