Aircraft noise at high levels can be considered a stressor on the body, and research has found an association between high levels of aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Chronic exposure to aircraft noise is a significant environmental stressor that has been linked to several serious long-term health issues beyond simple hearing loss. High-decibel, intermittent noise from low-flying planes triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to an over-production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Recent 2025 and 2026 studies from UCL and other institutions have shown that people living under flight paths have a higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease, as the constant noise causes blood vessels to constrict and heart muscles to stiffen over time. Nighttime noise is particularly damaging because it disrupts essential REM sleep cycles, even if the sleeper doesn't fully wake up, leading to daytime fatigue and cognitive impairment. For children, consistent exposure to high aircraft noise has been shown to delay reading comprehension and long-term memory development, as the constant interruption of quiet environments hinders the neurological processes required for deep concentration.