Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing phenomenon of "noise sensitivity" among urban dwellers, particularly young people, highlighting the impact of noise pollution on mental health and the increasing demand for noise-reducing products and living environments [28]. Group 1: Noise Sensitivity and Its Effects - "Noise sensitivity" is characterized by an individual's heightened sensitivity to noise, leading to sleep disturbances and emotional distress [5][6]. - Prolonged exposure to noise can result in severe mental health issues, such as depression, as illustrated by the experiences of individuals like Lin Ran and Jie Yi [7][10]. - The prevalence of noise complaints is significant, with 35% of housing quality complaints in 2024 related to poor sound insulation, indicating a widespread issue in urban living [28]. Group 2: Coping Mechanisms and Market Response - Young individuals are increasingly investing in noise-canceling products, with the noise-canceling earplug market projected to reach 3.215 billion yuan by 2024, growing at a rate of 7.03% in 2025 [15]. - The demand for quieter living spaces has led to a rise in the "silent economy," with individuals seeking older buildings known for better sound insulation [15][24]. - The article notes that the new residential project standards set to be implemented in May 2025 will impose stricter sound insulation requirements, potentially reshaping the housing market [24][26]. Group 3: Housing Market Dynamics - The article highlights the disparity in housing options, where lower-income groups are often forced into noisy environments due to affordability, leading to a cycle of "noise poverty" [24]. - The anticipated changes in building regulations may increase construction costs, which could be passed on to consumers, affecting housing affordability [26]. - The experiences of individuals like Lin Ran, who opted for rural living to escape noise, reflect a shift in housing preferences towards quieter environments, despite the challenges of accessibility and commuting [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing sensitivity to noise among young people, termed "noise sensitivity," which leads to significant disruptions in their daily lives and mental health issues [2][33]. Group 1: Noise Sensitivity and Its Impact - "Noise sensitivity" is characterized by heightened sensitivity to noise in normal environments, resulting in sleep disturbances and attention issues [2][4]. - Individuals like Lin Ran and Jie Yi experience severe disruptions in their lives due to noise, leading to conditions such as severe depression and anxiety [8][11]. - The prevalence of noise complaints is significant, with 35% of housing quality complaints in 2024 related to poor sound insulation [33]. Group 2: Coping Mechanisms and Market Response - Young people are investing in noise-canceling products, with the market for noise-canceling earplugs expected to reach 3.215 billion yuan in 2024, growing by 7.03% in 2025 [17]. - The concept of "silent economy" is emerging, driven by the demand for noise-reducing products such as soundproof curtains and earplugs [17][28]. - Many individuals are forced to relocate to quieter environments, often at a higher cost, as they seek to escape noise pollution [25][28]. Group 3: Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook - New regulations set to be implemented in May 2025 will impose stricter sound insulation standards for new residential buildings, potentially improving living conditions [30]. - However, existing buildings will not be retrofitted, leaving many residents in "noise houses" without recourse [30][32]. - The construction industry faces challenges as the new standards may increase building costs, potentially leading to cost-cutting measures that could further compromise sound insulation [30].