Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Hearing loss treatment market to hit $19B

A financial analysis found that the hearing loss disease treatment market, which was valued at $11.47 billion in 2024 , is projected to grow to $19.83 billion by 2032 — reflecting the fast-growing rates of hearing loss in the U.S. While this is good news for healthcare practitioners and hearing aid manufacturers, for the average listener like you and me, this may mean we have to do a lot more to protect our hearing in the near future.

Air traffic noise lowers home values

A study exploring the impacts of air traffic on housing has released a working paper showing that growing noise levels from air travel causes housing prices to drop, lowering the property value of a neighborhood. These findings suggest that on top of impacts to our health and natural environmental, aircraft noise is a financial burden, too.

City considers noise rules after Planned Parenthood protests

Grand Rapids, Michigan may change its noise ordinance following complaints about the noise from protestors outside a Planned Parenthood. The proposed amendment would prevent people from using amplified sound devices, like a megaphone, within 100 feet of a health care facility. MLive reported that the Grand Rapids City Commission debated how to balance citizens’ First Amendment rights with the safety of health clinic patients and staff.