BARKING DOG SYNDROME
What is “Barking Dog Syndrome”?
Barking Dog Syndrome is a newly-coined term for all (or a combination) of the ailments suffered by those who have had little choice but to endure noise levels force-fed into their own private soundscape. It emanates from the Director’s own experience of subjection to the constant yapping, whining, or barking, of his neighbour’s dogs. |
But why “Barking Dog Syndrome”?
I mean, why not “Noise Abuse Syndrome”? When coining a new phrase, or title, you have to start somewhere. So, the Director began with “Barking Dog Syndrome” simply because of the dogs. But it does not mean to say that the organisation cannot evolve. So, if anyone can think of a better, catchier, title than “Barking Dog Syndrome”, then please feel free to email the Director and let him know. |
What are the symptoms of this syndrome?
They are numerous, and are outlined below. However, the Director would like to point out that simply because you suffer from some of the symptoms it does not necessarily mean you suffer from Barking Dog Syndrome. Those symptoms could be the result of something else entirely. So, if you develop any of the symptoms at all, you should always consult your doctor. They will help you determine if excessive noise is the cause.
That said, here is the list of symptoms attributed to noise abuse and taken from a Noise Chart supplied by barkingdogs.net.
That said, here is the list of symptoms attributed to noise abuse and taken from a Noise Chart supplied by barkingdogs.net.
SYMPTOMS AND SIDE-EFFECTS OF FORCE-FEEDING
NOISE INTO THE DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT
Short-term Exposure to Noise Pollution
NOISE INTO THE DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT
Short-term Exposure to Noise Pollution
Increased heart rate
Blood pressure increases Shift in electrolyte balance Goose bumps Pupils of the eye dilate Altered blood viscosity Cold hands Digestion slows dramatically Loss of appetite Tooth grinding Anxiety Irritability |
Aggression
Discord within the family unit Functioning impaired Accident rate potentiated Inability to think clearly Inability to make decisions Respiration increases Shift in hormonal profile Dry mouth Sweating Changes in blood lipids Altered blood flow |
Cold feet
Stomach upset Transient sexual dysfunction Bracing/muscle tension Agitation Anger Interpersonal conflict Self-medicating Physical coordination impaired Error rate potentiated Judgment is impaired |
Long-term Exposure to Noise Pollution
Chronic disorganization due to constant
disruption of scheduled activities Immune system dysfunction – increased risk of cold, flu, and infection Schedule adjusted so activities revolve around the noise source Classical conditioning generates secondary distress and discord Once occasional high blood pressure now becomes chronic Symptoms mimicking psychological disturbance develop Difficulty staying asleep - even in a quiet environment Resilience wanes as adaptive capacity is diminished Increased risk of developing stress-related disorders Difficulty falling asleep - even in a quiet environment Persistently recurring migraine headaches Increasing frequency of illness in general Chronic muscle contraction headaches Family interactions grow dysfunctional Abandonment of recreational activities Autonomic disruption grows constant Recuperation from illness hampered Worsening of pre-existing maladies Abandonment of essential activities Gums and dental health deteriorate Noisy rooms of house abandoned Chronic gastro-intestinal distress Sensitivity to noise is heightened |
Marked consumption of Rx drugs
Newfound underweight problem Social relationships abandoned Hopelessness/suicidal ideation Newfound overweight problem Affectionate exchanges cease Chronic strife within the family Endocrine disruption constant Old substance use increases Exaggerated startle response Childhood learning impaired New substance use begins Social activities abandoned Chronic sexual dysfunction Adult job performance dips Aversion to going outdoors Sense of constant tension Upset over new job stress Constant emotional upset Uncontrollable rumination Increased risk of violence Regular exercise ceases Kids fall behind in school Substance use solidifies |
Substance use solidifies
Merriment becomes rare Heart disease takes root Reaction time is slowed Chronic muscle tension Accident rate increased Chronic loss of appetite Concentration impaired Children fail in school Chronic restlessness Fear of being startled Exacerbation of pain Chronic depression Uncontrollable rage Anticipatory anxiety Chronic overeating On-going hair loss Memory impaired Heart palpitations Emotional lability Premature aging Chronic fatigue Chronic anger Exhaustion |
End Organ Damage
Enlarged heart
Aneurysm Kidney damage |
Heart attack
Stroke Eye damage |
Heart failure
Dementia |
Hardening of the arteries
Total loss of sexual function |
SOURCES:
The World Health Organization The research of the Institute for Social Medicine at Berlin’s Charite University Medical Centre The British Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine The research of the Institute for Social Medicine The research of Johns Hopkins University The Archives of Environmental Health Copyright © 2007 by Craig Mixon - All rights reserved |
The United States Environmental Protection Agency The European Heart Journal The British Medical Association The Garvan Institute of Sydney, Australia The Journal of Experimental Medicine The research of Craig Mixon, Ed.D., Barkingdogs.net |
Personal Notes:
I suffer, to some degree, from nearly half (48.5%) of the long-term effects.
I suffer, to some degree, from nearly half (48.5%) of the long-term effects.