Here's How to Give Your Ears a Break
Many working people complain of stress and exhaustion. This can also be due to high noise exposure. After all, who knows that overexposure to noise can cause fatigue?
After work, the first thing many people want to do when they get home is to relax on the sofa. This desire is common after a strenuous day at work. Fatigue can stem from intense physical exertion, mental stress, or tight deadlines—but it can also result from strained, overworked ears. According to a survey commissioned by the terzo Institute, 20 percent of Germans attribute their everyday fatigue to loud or constant ambient noise. For more than half, fatigue is due to work-related stress, and for just under 10 percent, it’s due to stress during leisure time.
In reality, noise and sounds are often the actual trigger for exhaustion. When asked about the specific factors that lead to fatigue at work, most respondents cite aspects related to hearing. For example, 29.8 percent complain about constant ambient noise, 17.3 percent about loud noise, and 11.9 percent about the phone ringing constantly. This background noise tires employees but is underestimated as a cause—as reported by Dr. rer. nat. Juliane Dettling-Papargyris in a short interview. After all, more than 40 percent of Germans have already consciously felt exhausted due to their ears being overtaxed. This is a good starting point for drawing more attention to our ears in our daily work lives.
Reducing Noise Pollution in the Office: Tips for a Quiet Workplace
Companies can take deliberate steps to reduce background noise using relatively simple methods. For example, every office should be equipped with carpets, wall art, furniture, bookcases, lighting, and other objects. These absorb sound and thus create a quieter atmosphere.
If these measures aren’t sufficient—for example, in open-plan offices or call centers—acoustic ceilings made of mineral fibers or acoustic carpets with felt backing can help. Sound-absorbing cabinet fronts, light ceilings, and room dividers also reduce noise pollution.
Relief for Your Ears: Take and Make the Most of Breaks
In addition, taking occasional breaks helps reduce stress on your ears. This can be achieved, for example, by taking regular breaks in quiet rooms, going for a short walk in the fresh air, or using private offices when you need some quiet time for focused work or meetings. These rest periods not only prevent fatigue but also protect your hearing.
To detect problems early on, everyone should have their hearing tested regularly. If in doubt, an ENT doctor or hearing aid specialist in your area can help. After all, hearing aids can even improve your career prospects.
