Noise pollution has a wide range of effects beyond hearing damage, which can range from mild to extreme depending on the intensity of the sound. Some of the most commonly reported effects of noise pollution include: physiological stress, disruption of sleep, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, decreased productivity, and decreased communication. Physiological stress is the body’s reaction to a perceived threat, and can manifest in physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Disruption of sleep includes difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to long-term exposure to loud noise, which can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and other negative effects. Decreased productivity can include difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and an overall decrease in performance. Finally, decreased communication can occur when noise pollution makes it difficult for people to hear each other, leading to misunderstandings, confusion, and frustration.