Expert Views on Noise & Health

November 21, 2024

The Unsilent Harm of Pickleball: A Physician’s Battle with Noise Pollution

As an anesthesiologist, I am no stranger to stress. My work in operating rooms and trauma bays requires unwavering focus and composure under immense pressure. Yet, nothing in my professional life prepared me for the relentless stress caused by living next to a pickleball court—less than 30 feet from the master bedroom of my "forever home."

Every evening, as I attempt to unwind and prepare for another demanding day, my peace is shattered by the sharp, erratic pop of a hard paddle striking a plastic ball. This noise isn’t just an annoyance; it has become an ever-present torment. To my disbelief, I now empathize with the effects of psychological tactics like Chinese water torture, which break even the most resilient minds through relentless, unpredictable stimuli.

The irregular rhythm of pickleball noise is maddening—not physically harmful but devastating in its ability to erode mental resilience. Over time, this unrelenting exposure has led to sleepless nights, feelings of powerlessness, and emotional exhaustion.

The Real Harm of Noise Pollution

The health effects of chronic noise exposure are well-documented, and my experience reflects the research. Disruptive sounds, like those generated by pickleball, activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. This can cause a cascade of health issues, including:

• Sleep disturbances leading to chronic fatigue and irritability.

• Migraines and hypersensitivity to sound.

• Increased anxiety and impaired concentration.

• Cardiovascular stress, raising the risk of heart disease.

Emerging research has also identified “phantom pickleball noise,” where individuals perceive the sound even when it isn’t present—akin to auditory hallucinations. I’ve experienced this myself, hearing the phantom pops long after the actual game has ended, a constant reminder of the intrusion on my peace of mind.

The Irresponsibility of Poor Court Placement

Pickleball’s meteoric rise in popularity has outpaced the ability of communities to manage its impact. Courts located within 500 feet of homes frequently generate complaints, and those situated closer—like the one near my home—are simply untenable. Sound engineers warn against placing courts so close to residential areas, yet outdated ordinances fail to address the unique, high-frequency noise pickleball produces.

In my case, the court was approved under guidelines written long before pickleball existed. This oversight has allowed my neighbor’s recreational activities to infringe upon my fundamental right to peace and enjoyment of my home. Recreation and community engagement are important, but they should never come at the expense of residents' health and well-being.

A Call for Advocacy and Reform

For years, my family and I have sought help from the HOA and city officials, only to encounter apathy and resistance. We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on medical care, legal fees, and expert consultations, all while wrestling with the agonizing decision to either endure this harm or leave the home we love.

As a physician, my career is built on alleviating suffering and promoting health. This experience has revealed a critical gap in public policy: the need for proactive governance to prevent noise pollution from harming residents. HOAs, city councils, and lawmakers must work with sound engineers, health experts, and community stakeholders to recognize noise pollution as a public health issue and develop regulations to mitigate its harm.

Conclusion

While I have reluctantly come to terms with the possibility of relocating for the sake of my family’s health, I refuse to remain silent. This issue is preventable. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire communities to rethink how pickleball courts are planned and regulated.

Recreation should bring joy—not harm. Together, we can advocate for thoughtful planning that balances the needs of all community members, ensuring health and well-being for everyone. If you’ve experienced similar challenges, I urge you to share your story, advocate for better regulations, and push for change.

We should not remain silent while this noise disrupts our peace and health—together, let’s turn the clamor into a call for healthier, more harmonious communities.

Humbly,

Author is an MD, currently practicing in the West

(Name withheld per request)

"The health data about pickleball noise reminds me of my studies about psychological operations used during wartime." 

-Retired Army Colonel S Davis

Having a pickleball court placed close to my home this year caused a cascade of stress, frustration and illness. The 'gunfire' like noise that could be heard in every room of  my home prevented me from being able to relax or enjoy my home. I experienced anxiety and raised blood pressure.  In fact, as the court was open from 9am to 9pm, I found myself avoiding coming home until after 9pm.

I became very emotional and was often in tears in my own home as I could not relax.  I became fearful that I would have to sell my beautiful home and move, and became very angry and frustrated that this was even happening to me and my home. As the tension, fear and anxiety lodged in my muscles, I began to get headaches and body pain. I also became very noise sensitive, hyper aware of any loud noises.  I actually felt like I became 'a nervous wreck', as if I was being 'tortured by noise'. Even when the game was not being played, I could hear it. I was as if I had PTSD - the trauma was very real.  Every noise I heard caused a reaction in my body. Even if the noise was not pickleball, everything began  to sound like pickleball. I was on high alert all the time.

As a medical professional I understood what was happening to me. I was suffering from trauma and being able to hear the noise even when there was no game being played is part of PTSD. The very thought that I might come home from work and the neighbours would be playing pickleball was enough to send me into panic. I have lived in my home for 13 years and previously had always been excited to come home from work. 

Emerging research shows that the MOST common term that people use to describe the pickleball noise in their homes is "trauma" or "PTSD". They use this term more than "headaches", "anxiety", "stress", or any other symptom.

As  a medical professional, I have a deep understanding of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how it affects the body. Generally, PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance technique, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. I was experiencing all these after only a few weeks of listening to pickleball at close proximity. Even after the pickleball court was permanently closed, I would often find myself feeling panicky about coming home, or I would hear a noise outside and go to the window to see if anyone was about to play pickle ball! A PTSD reaction can be different for every person, however, mostly unwanted physical symptoms happen because of a trigger (a noise, a memory, a nightmare…). 

If you are feeling a lot of stress or feel trauma from the constant exposure to the popping pickleball noise in your house, be sure to contact a counselor or another health professional. During the time that the pickle ball court was outside my home, I had to really use all my skills to keep on top of my health and mental well being. I went for regular acupuncture treatments, I practiced meditation and yoga. I had good friends to talk to  and a support team of people also going through the same experiences. Some people are also choosing to use medication to help manage their symptoms. By learning why the noise is so distressing, it can be empowering to realize that you are not alone or ‘going crazy’.

-Dr. Soraya Faris Applegate  DACM, L.Ac .

Imagine someone being difficult, aggressive, and disrespectful to you just because you do not like the noise of pickleball that is being played close to where you live, and is disturbing your entire life. The noise is making you feel sick, you can’t enjoy your outdoor space and sometimes your indoor space, you can’t sleep, and you are getting yelled at by players that don’t care how you feel. Adding insult– some of these people may have been your friends – and now are now not talking to you, not supporting you, and have canceled you –  as you are struggling with this noise. This is called pickleball bullying and it is very real! 

Many residents living near courts report bullying, gaslighting or harassment as they begin to speak up about how the noise is affecting their daily lives.

So what happens when a person is bullied?   It feels like a threat to the person being bullied.  Their body responds by setting off a  stress response : their heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and muscle tension all increase as they prepare to respond to a perceived threat.   

Additionally, bullying (or gaslighting) can make people feel unsupported, lonely, not heard, and not in control, which just worsens the stress response.  All of this is really harmful to the person being bullied. And it can be extraordinarily destructive to neighborhoods and communities. 

And the stress from bullying?  Well, the neighbors are already dealing with very significant stress levels in their body from the pickleball noise itself.  This  constant and severe stress can lead to significant health problems and the stress from bullying just makes it worse.  

Here are some things to try if you are feeling harassed or bullied:

• Try to stay calm and just walk away.

• If possible, can you find some humor?  Find support with friends or family.

• Contact your town or recreation department for support

• Engage others that live near you who feel the same way

• Talk with your primary care provider or a counselor if the bullying is affecting your health

Some ways that you can support neighbors that are struggling with the pickleball noise:

• Validate what they tell you and let them know that sounds really awful and difficult 

• Let them know you are there for them and willing to help, listen, and problem solve - be empathetic

• Ask them how noise affects them 

• Discuss options on things you have tried to intervene for a solution and ways you can support them to do this

E.T.P,    Educator, Heatlh and Wellness Coach

(Name withheld per request)

Yes, it can be very common for people exposed to chronic pickleball noise to have all sorts of strong emotions. 

Denial: What is that sound? It must be a mistake!

Anger: Not a fair fight.  Making our own noise near the courts.  "Gloves off".  David and Goliath

Bargaining: Pleading, petitions, meetings, "finding the right words"

Depression:  "Empathy gap", feeling like no one understands and feeling isolated

Acceptance:  I've done everything I can.  My options now include 1) moving  2) litigating 3) seeing my doctor for help treating my symptoms

You are not alone.  Find someone you trust to confide in.  And connect with others at the Facebook Pickleball Noise Relief Group.

-Rob Mastrioanni, M.P.H.