Adverse health effects of noise are numerous and diverse, ranging from a mere annoyance or discomfort to permanent damage, including hearing loss, cognitive impairment, mental disorders and cardiovascular effects. The aim of Directive 2002/49/EC (Environmental Noise Directive – END) is to define a common approach
intended to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise.