URBAN SOUNDSCAPES AND PUBLIC HEALTH: ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE RISKS AND COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTIONS IN UZBEK CITIES

Environmental noise, often overlooked compared to air or water pollution, has emerged as a growing urban health concern. In rapidly expanding cities, persistent exposure to excessive sound levels can have significant physiological and psychological effects. Chronic noise is associated with hearing loss, elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stress, sleep disturbances, and decreased cognitive performance.