02.18.21
Why less noise during the pandemic might help our ears but not our hearts or brains
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Jack hammers. Buzz saws. Screaming toddlers. Barking dogs. Horns blaring from incessant traffic jams. Any of these can set nerves on edge, especially if you are subjected to the noise for hours, days or weeks on end. It’s more than aggravating. Studies show noise-generated stress is bad for the heart and brain. But pandemic-induced shutdowns