How can noise affect someone's health? Which of the following is a potential effect?

Noise can significantly impact an individual's health, and one of the most serious potential effects is permanent hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can damage the delicate structures within the ear, especially the hair cells of the cochlea, which are essential for converting sound waves into nerve signals. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to irreversible hearing impairment.

In occupational settings, such as construction sites or manufacturing areas where loud machinery is used, it is crucial to implement noise control measures and hearing conservation programs. Workers exposed to high noise levels over time might not only experience difficulty hearing but also suffer from other related conditions, such as tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.

The other options—improved concentration, increased productivity, and enhanced sleep quality—typically reflect outcomes associated with a quieter environment rather than being potential effects of noise exposure. High noise levels can lead to distractions, stress, and interruptions in sleep, all of which detract from concentration and productivity and negatively influence overall well-being.