Dr. Kathleen Romito, a retired family physician, has highlighted significant health concerns linked to noise from nearby pickleball courts, especially when courts are located close to residences. Her research, published in May 2025, reveals that exposure to the distinctive sound of pickleball paddles hitting plastic balls can cause not only psychological stress and anxiety but also physical symptoms such as heart issues, neurological problems, and disrupted sleep. Alarmingly, some individuals reported PTSD-like symptoms and severe distress, including suicidal thoughts, primarily among those living within 100 feet of courts, though effects were noted up to 400 feet away during prolonged exposure.
Efforts to mitigate pickleball noise include sound barriers, quieter paddles, and specially designed low-noise balls, but these solutions often come with high costs and practical challenges. Consultants like Dale Van Scoyk work with communities to implement barriers and recommend quieter equipment, though competitive players resist quieter paddles due to concerns about gameplay quality. The sport’s rapid growth—with over 18,000 new courts built in 2024—means noise issues will likely intensify. Romito suggests that, especially in urban areas, pickleball courts may need to be moved indoors to protect residents’ health, emphasizing the need for further research, discussion, and innovative solutions to balance the sport’s popularity with community well-being.
