The proliferation of noise pollution as an urban social problem in Wolaita Sodo city, Wolaita zone, Ethiopia

Noise pollution is an unwanted, unpleasant or disagreeable sound that causes discomfort to all living beings. Urban noise pollution is one of the problems of people who live in an urban area, which causes different health complications and social problems. The primary aim of this study was to explore the proliferation of noise pollution as an urban social problem and the community's perception on noise pollution. We used a mixed-methods approach. Key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, survey and documentary analysis were data collection methods used in the study. The study findings indicate that noise pollution affects social relations and quality of living environment, disturbs spoken communication and work performance, has a short and long effect on hearing capacity, disturbs mental health, decreases satisfaction on life, etc. The perception of the community on sources and effects of the problem is scrawny, and noise pollution is not considered as a serious problem by both the community members and the government officials in the city, but serious engagement is needed to solve the problems and to minimize their impacts. Mobilizing community representatives, influential persons, elites, activists, Medias and government officials should pay due attention to noise pollution to minimize the effect.