Too Much Quiet Is as Stressful as Too Much Noise

"As soon as you step into the booth, you can feel the deadness of the sound, or more precisely, the lack of it. Sounds are muffled by materials in the environment that absorb sound waves rather than letting them bounce off shiny, non-absorbing surfaces. In the natural world, it's like walking in a snow-filled street after the howling of a snowstorm has abated. There is something surreal and calming about being in such quiet."

"Architects know that every material used in the built environment has an acoustic rating, telling how much sound it absorbs and how much sound it reflects and amplifies. Spaces can be designed to be louder or quieter. Concert halls are engineered to reflect and amplify sound, recording studios to absorb and direct it. Typically, many restaurants are noisy-with noise levels often exceeding the healthy range."

"While short time in such a space can be calming, taking you away from the clangs and crashes, clatters and sirens, and noises of our modern world, spending a prolonged period in complete silence can be stressful. You become aware of every sound your body makes-your heartbeat, your breathing. And while those sounds are soothing, they can also jangle your nerves if that's all you hear."

Excessive environmental noise damages hearing and increases stress. Extreme quiet also increases stress by making internal bodily sounds hyper-salient. The physiological sweet spot for sound level is roughly 45–50 decibels. Soundproof booths and recording studios absorb sound, creating a deadened auditory environment that can feel surreal and calming for short periods but stressful if prolonged. Materials in built environments have acoustic ratings determining absorption and reflection. Concert halls are engineered to reflect and amplify sound; recording studios to absorb and direct it. Many restaurants and open-plan offices exceed healthy noise levels, with loud noises above 80 dB causing harm. Carry earplugs or noise‑canceling headphones to reduce stress and protect hearing.

Read at Psychology Today