FIRST-IN-THE-NATION MEDICAL ANALYSIS: The Hidden Health Impact of Pickleball Noise on Neighbors
Media Contact:
Nalini Lasiewicz
Executive Director, The Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation
Phone: 818-249-9691
Email: nalini@lasiewicz.org
Web: https://lasiewicz.org
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MAY 19, 2025 – As pickleball’s popularity explodes nationwide, a groundbreaking medical analysis reveals the concerning physiological and psychological effects of its signature impulsive noise on nearby residents. This first-of-its-kind investigation demands the attention of public health officials, researchers, and communities grappling with this emerging issue.
Kathleen Romito, MD, Medical Advisor to the Lasiewicz Foundation (La Cañada Flintridge, CA), will present preliminary findings live in New Orleans this week during the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) annual meeting at the New Orleans Marriott. Dr. Romito’s presentation, “Session 4aPP — Pickleball noise – A qualitative description of the psychological and physiological effects on nearby residents” will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM CT. Her accompanying paper is co-authored with Daniel Fink, MD.
Dr. Romito’s analysis of public data, including social media, news reports, and legal filings, indicates a potential link between persistent pickleball “pop” and serious non-auditory health impacts reported by neighbors. These include anxiety, sleep disruption, the novel phenomenon of phantom pickleball sounds, and alarmingly, PTSD-like symptoms and suicidal ideation. The study also highlights self-reported cardiac and neurological complaints.
This presentation is a crucial opportunity for journalists to:
- Be the first to report on this novel medical analysis highlighting a potential public health concern linked to a rapidly growing sport.
- Interview Dr. Kathleen Romito, MD, a medical professional on the front lines of this emerging issue.
- Gain access to preliminary data and insights into the surprising ways impulsive noise may be affecting communities.
- Capture a unique angle on the ongoing discussion surrounding pickleball’s impact on neighborhoods.
“We are urgently calling on the research community, the pickleball industry, and community leaders to bring their attention to this emerging and serious concern” states Dr. Romito. “With over 50,000 pickleball courts across the U.S. and more being built every week, understanding the potential health consequences for nearby residents is paramount. This initial analysis underscores the urgent need for further, comprehensive research.”
CREDENTIALED MEDIA WELCOME: The Acoustical Society of America offers free registration to credentialed and professional freelance journalists. For registration details, please contact AIP Media Services at media@aip.org.
About the Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation:
The Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting researchers, policymakers, noise experts, engineers, neighbors, players, vendors, and local governments to address the growing problem of noise in shared community spaces.
Provided by Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation