Soundproofist resources
Noise and safety regulations
OSHA
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes hearing-safety standards and publishes information on health effects, hearing conservation, construction guidelines, and more.
CDC/NIOSH
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NIOSH offer information and statistics on noise — specifically, on hearing loss and prevention on the job.
San Francisco Police Code – Regulation of Noise (2014)
Includes information for police officers on using decibel readers as well as guidelines on construction noise, garbage trucks, tour buses with PA systems, night noise permits, complaint handling, and more.
HSE
The Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain provides guidance to businesses on employee safety, including hearing issues.
Environmental Noise Regulations (Ireland)
From 2006. Includes regulations for railroads, airports, and industry. You might find it easier to read the user-friendly Citizens Information instead, which includes links for neighbor noise.
Government of Canada
Provides guidelines, regulations, and standards for the hearing safety of workers and the general public.
Government of NCT of Delhi – noise complaints
If you’re in Delhi, India, and you want to file a noise complaint, use the form on this page. You can also review review the noise pollution ordinances from 2000 (for example: firecrackers). Note that some updates were made to these ordinances in 2010.
Leaf blower ordinances (US) by city and state
Is your neighborhood plagued by loud leaf blowers? Use this tool to see if your city has any noise ordinances specifically about this issue. If it doesn’t have an ordinance, start advocating for one!
State-by-state noise restrictions when renovating (Australia)
Although this was written for those in the construction trade, it’s a handy look-up tool to find out the hours in which someone can legally make noise, and what kind.
Legal guidelines around noise in South Australia
Includes information on hours of operation for noisy equipment such as garbage collection vehicles as well as construction noise.
List of noise ordinances in the US and Canada
This site provides regional US and Canadian noise ordinance links for those in the construction trade.
Noise complaints in the city of London (UK)
These sites can help you easily file a noise complaint in the boroughs of Westminster, Hackney, and Camden.
Nolo
Nolo — known for its legal-reference publications and software — offers some helpful online resources. Here are some basic legal FAQs for dealing with noisy neighbor issues.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Night noise guidelines for Europe
From the World Health Organization, published in 2009. “One in five Europeans is regularly exposed to sounds at night that could significantly damage their health.” You can download it as a PDF.
World Health Organization – Burden of Disease from Environmental Noise
Details how noise is a public health problem – the “quantification of healthy life years lost in Europe.”
World Health Organization Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region (2018)
Covers transportation, wind turbine, and leisure noise (such as nightclubs and fitness classes), perceptions of noise, impact on cardiovascular health and hearing, and more.
Noise data resources
U.S. Department of Transportation Noise Map
This map tracks the road and air traffic noise across the United States, in decibels.
Noise monitoring, State of Karnataka
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has been tracking and monitoring noise pollution levels in the city of Bangalore, India since 2016. They’ve posted the dB(A) daytime and nighttime results and the locations in which the noise was measured.
Soundproofist’s list of noise maps
We’re gathering a searchable database of noise maps around the world.
Quiet Links
A searchable database of research papers about noise and acoustics.
Noise policy and health advocacy
Abogado del ruido
Concienciación, educación y Defensa Jurídica frente a Molestias por Ruido (Awareness, education and Legal Defense against Noise Discomfort) – Alicante, Spain
ACCCA
L’Associació Catalana Contra la Contaminació Acústica (ACCCA) és una entitat sense ànim de lucre, independent, completament desvinculada de partits polítics i dels seus programes, i d’Administracions públiques, l’objecte de la qual el constitueix la lluita contra les causes i els efectes dels sorolls, i segons es desenvolupa en l’article 2n dels nostres estatuts. (The Catalan Association Against Acoustic Pollution (ACCCA) is a non-profit organization, independent, completely dissociated from political parties and its programs, and from public administrations, the object of which is the fight against the causes and the effects of noise.)
American Public Health Association
Has committees that advocate for public health issues around noise.
Awaaz Foundation (India)
A nonprofit NGO that’s actively educating the public about environmental issues such as urban noise (and its impact on public health) and sand mining. Awaaz also lobbies for policies on noise-control, for example: horn honking, nighttime noise, and firecracker usage.
Bruitparif (France)
News, activism, information on how to measure noise, and research projects.
Centre d’information sur le Bruit (France)
Information on legislation, events, and how to take action on noise issues in France.
Con Rde Ruido (Spain)
“Justicia, Psicología e Información contra el RUIDO” (Justice, psychology, and information against noise). Based in Madrid, Spain.
The European Acoustics Association
An international organisation that promotes the science of acoustics, educates the public, and advocates for establishing acoustical guidelines that enable a better quality of life. Among other activities, the association is involved in events like International Noise Awareness Day and Euronoise and publishes a journal, Acoustics in Practice.
GrowNYC
An environmental organization formed in 1970 and based in New York City, it covers issues such as food and farmer’s markets, recycling, education, and noise.
HACAN
HACAN stands for the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise. They were formed in the 1970s to advocate for residents who lived under the Heathrow flight paths.
Hush City
Dr. Antonella Radicchi is a researcher and consultant whose work involves urban design and planning, health, soundscape research, soundwalks, citizen research, and mobile tools. The Hush City app and associated projects — like the Hush City maps and recordings — came from her efforts. They enable citizens to identify, record, and enjoy quiet urban spaces. Based in Berlin, she also teaches, leads soundwalks, and speaks at conferences.
ICBEN (International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise)
“ICBEN is the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise. Its goal is to promote a high level of scientific research concerning all the aspects of noise-induced effects on human beings and on animals, including preventive regulatory measures, and to keep alive a vivid communication among the scientists working in that field.” You can download some of their documents, such as: ICBEN 2008 – The 9th Congress of the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise.
Other available ICBEN conference proceedings
INCE USA
INCE (through its members) “discovers, disseminates, and promotes noise control solutions to environmental, product, machinery, industrial and other noise issues. Many INCE-USA Members offer consulting services in noise control.”
I-INCE (international)
From their mission/vision page:
- The I-INCE represents a worldwide platform for the exchange of know-how, new developments, inspiration and to form a lively international community on noise and vibration control
- The I-INCE acts as a catalyst by bringing parties together and to stimulate new developments
- The I-INCE stimulates the access of everybody to noise and vibration control technology
- The I-INCE is an active partner in the struggle to suppress unwanted sound
Institute of Acoustics (UK)
“The Institute of Acoustics is the UK’s professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. It was formed in 1974….The Institute has some 3000 members from a rich diversity of backgrounds, with engineers, scientists, educators, lawyers, occupational hygienists, architects and environmental health officers.”
Laboratorio de Acústica y Electroacústica
Universidad Nacional de Rosario (Argentina)
This acoustics laboratory is part of the School of Electronic Engineering and Surveying and it channels outreach, information, and activities in the areas of psychoacoustics and noise control.
New York City Sound and Noise Education Module
Interactive, multi-disciplinary STEM lessons and activities that introduce students and teachers to the study of the NYC sound environment, the noise code, and the public health issues associated with noise. The curriculum includes the “Listen to the Raindrops” lesson, based on a children’s book written by environmental psychologist and noise activist Dr. Arline Bronzaft.
Noise and Health
A bimonthly interdisciplinary international journal.
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
In their words: “The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse is a national non-profit organization with extensive online noise related resources.” This includes links to US and international laws and regulations, proposed legislation, and an EPA noise library.
Noise Free America
On a mission to educate the public and the government about noise pollution.
Noise and the City
A project that began in Boston to gather sound measurements in different parts of the city and its impact on the health and well-being of the residents. The website contains a map of noise levels, sound recordings, interviews, and data. The team also developed an app called NoiseScore to help you measure noise levels in your own locale.
Noise mitigation in Hong Kong (in English)
From the Environmental Protection Department, information on land use planning, noise-reduction materials, examples (with audio) of “noise-tolerant” buildings, and more.
Quiet Communities
A nonprofit organization that educates people and governments about community noise and teaches how to organize programs such as LEEP (Landscape Equipment Exchange Program), which encourages residents to exchange their gas-powered landscaping equipment and buy quieter, emissions-free, battery-powered landscaping gear at a discount. (You can also follow them on Twitter.)
The Quiet Communities Act (United States Congress)
In 1981, the Environmental Protection Agency cut the funding for Office of Noise Abatement and Control in 1981, and in 2017, Representative Grace Ming and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a bill to reestablish the office and fund it through 2022. This article from GovTrack describes it. In August 2018, the bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Quiet Mark
“Quiet Mark is the independent, international approval award programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. It encourages companies worldwide to prioritise noise reduction within the design of everyday machines and appliances.” They’ve also launched an educational “Acoustics Academy” for the building sector on their website.
Quiet Parks International
A nonprofit committed to identifying and preserving endangered quiet locations “because quiet places are becoming extinct.” Co-founded by Gordon Hempton, an acoustic ecologist, and Vikram Chauhan.
The Quiet Coalition
Science-based group that focuses on the impact of noise on health and quality of life and advocates for environmental health.
The Right to Quiet Society
Organization founded in 1982 in Vancouver, Canada to raise public awareness about the detrimental effects of noise on human health.
SoundPrint
Aside from the excellent SoundPrint app (where you can measure and share the decibel level in restaurants), SoundPrint also offers a “cheat sheet” to help you organize events and become a SoundPrint ambassador in your community. You can also download the SoundPrint app from the App Store or Google Play and start using it right away, the next time you dine out.
SPUR (San Francisco Bay Area)
Although not specifically focused on noise, SPUR is a nonprofit urban planning and policy organization. Check their events calendar for their engaging discussions, and their reports section for their publications and policy recommendations.
The UK Noise Association
Campaigning for action against noise. Includes notes on nuisance cases in the UK.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Adverse effects of noise
Outlines the multiple ways that noise has a negative impact on human health and quality of life, including noise-induced hearing impairment, interference with speech communication, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular and physiological effects, mental health effects, residential behavior and annoyance, and the effects of combined noise sources. And finally, it identifies vulnerable groups.
Hearing and health
American Academy of Audiology
Offers a “find an audiologist” portal.
American Tinnitus Association
American Tinnitus Association promotes relief (management) and prevention of tinnitus.
British Tinnitus Association
Information on managing tinnitus, including support groups and products.
H.E.A.R.
A nonprofit organization that’s been around for a few decades, formed by musicians to educate rock musicians about hearing loss and provide resources.
Hearing Health Foundation
From their homepage: “Hearing Health Foundation’s (HHF) mission is to prevent and cure hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research and to promote hearing health. HHF is the largest non-profit funder of hearing and balance research in the U.S. and a leader in driving new innovations and treatments for people with hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing disorders.”
The Hearing Journal
A publication on hearing issues and health, including podcasts, videos, tinnitus research, and more. You can read through their archives here.
Hear-it
Information on tinnitus, hearing loss, an online hearing test, information on hearing aids, and more.
hearWHO
This app for iOS and Android was developed by the World Health Organization to test your hearing. Take the hearing test, save it, and then test yourself periodically to see if your hearing health changes over time.
Musicians Hearing Health Scheme (UK)
Gives professional musicians in the UK affordable access to specialist hearing assessments and hearing protection.
NIOSH
Search the (US) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for all their publications on hearing loss prevention and noise exposure.
Noopl
A hearing-enhancement device that you can use with an iOS device to filter out background noise in a noisy environment and hear conversation more clearly.
Research
Dr. Arline Bronzaft
Author, researcher, activist, member, board of directors, GrowNYC. Dr. Bronzaft’s pioneering work on classroom noise in the 1970s led to transit improvements on NYC’s subways systems, which reduced track noise and increased the students’ learning abilities in nearby classrooms. Contact her through GrowNYC.
Hyperacusis Research
“Hyperacusis Research Limited, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to the development of effective treatments for hyperacusis and to funding research which will eliminate the underlying mechanisms that cause hyperacusis.”
Acoustic technology and expertise
The German Acoustical Society (DEGA)
Focuses on a wide range of topics such as room and machinery acoustics, construction issues, noise policy, and the effects of noise on the population.
Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
A membership organization that brings together acousticians to discuss a range of issues. Shares information on an educational YouTube channel as well as its associated Explore Sound and Acoustics Today websites.
NCAC (National Council of Acoustical Consultants)
An international organization of acoustical consultants and engineers, established in 1962. You can look for an acoustic consultant in their directory.
Bio acoustics and acoustic ecology
Ocean Conservation Research
“OCR seeks to understand the impacts of human generated noise on marine life – using our understanding to inform ocean policy and practice.
Of concern are the noises generated by underwater acoustical communication networks, military sonar, seismic airgun surveys, seafloor oil and gas processing, and shipping noise”
World Forum for Acoustic Ecology
“The World Forum for Acoustic Ecology, founded in 1993, is an international association of affiliated organizations and individuals who share a common concern for the state of the world’s soundscapes. Our members represent a multi-disciplinary spectrum of individuals engaged in the study of the social, cultural, and ecological aspects of the sonic environment across the world.”
Soundproofing and acoustic products and services
AMC Mecanoaucho (ES)
Makers of anti-vibration products from rubber and sylomer, as well as hangars, mounts, and insulation. Based in Spain, they also have a distribution office in the US (in Florida).
Audimute
Audimute manufactures and sells products such as acoustic tiles, acoustic panels, and absorption sheets. They offer acoustical consultation and customization services. Telephone: +1 (855) 505-MUTE.
Auralex
Not necessarily soundproofing, but acoustical treatments for rooms where sound quality really matters, such as for recording studios or performance spaces. Includes absorption materials and some construction materials, such as studio foam absorption panels and mineral fiber insulation. Be sure to read their “Acoustics 101: A Practical Guidelines for Constructing Accurate Acoustical Spaces.”
Decustik (ES)
Makers of stylish acoustic panels, including perforated wood and flexible wood. Based in Barcelona.
Dego Acoustics (CN)
Maker of acoustical products — ceilings, walls, and baffles, from materials such as rock wool and fiberglass. Based in China. WECHAT ：13921358839
Eargasm Earplugs
Produces earplugs to wear at concerts or loud clubs and in other environments such as noisy public transit systems. Note: if you buy Eargasm Earplugs through this link you can help to support the production of this podcast series and blog.
Ecophon (Saint Gobain)
Based in Sweden, Ecophon is a global company that specializes in attractive and effective acoustical treatments for workplaces, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more. In addition to their learning materials, consultations, and product offerings, don’t miss their blog, Acoustic Bulletin.
The Green Glue Company
Manufactures Green Glue — a noise dampening product that comes in tubes. Squeeze it between two layers of drywall and it converts noise and vibration into a small amount of heat. And it reduces a lot of conversation noise, electronic noise, and even some bass.
Muffle
Starting in the UK, but now with local online sites in other locales (including the US), Muffle sells decorative, sound-absorption products from a number of suppliers. This includes sound panels of all shapes and sizes, room dividers, baffles, moss panels, and ceiling tiles.
The Noise Chap (UK)
Does noise assessments on site (in the UK) and offers information about audiometry, noise meters, hearing protection, noise-exposure limits, the difference between dB(A) and dB(C), and more. Delivered with a wickedly dry sense of humor, The Noise Chap has his own take on British noise rules and regulations, as well.
QuietRock
Manufactures sound-dampened drywall that mitigates noise at various decibel levels. Each sheet of drywall has a built-in layer of dampening material in the gypsum.
Second Skin Audio
Looking for sound-dampening products for your car, home, office, or church? Second Skin sells products directly from their site, and they offer online guides to soundproofing specific acoustical spaces like churches, as well as common soundproofing issues like doors and walls.
Sonic Shield
Sonic Shield offers noise and acoustical testing, consultation, soundproofing products, applications and solutions for homeowners, business owners, and industry, and information about noise, regulations, and solutions.
Sound Fighter Systems
Makers of sound walls for roadways and sound barriers for outdoor construction sites.
The Soundproofing Company
Sells products for soundproofing construction — ceilings, walls, insulation, floor underpayments, offers consultation and basic information through its website.
Supply House
Sells household appliances, HVAC systems, fittings, and general hardware for very good prices. You can also buy anti-vibration pads from them at very reasonable prices.
TAP Plastics
Buy plexiglass sheets in different thicknesses, cut to the exact size you need, for making your own window inserts and other projects.
Vibro (GR)
A vibration-control company based in Athens, Greece, with a distributor in Canada. Manufactures and sells rubber mounts, anti-vibration hangers, isolators, and seismic restraints.
Soundscapes and sound artists
Gordon Hempton
Author of “One Square Inch of Silence: One Man’s Quest to Preserve Quiet.” He’s been recording natural soundscapes for many years and won an Emmy award for his work on the PBS documenatary, “Vanishing Dawn Chorus.”
RIVERSSSOUNDS
“Navigate the rivers of Europe via the microphones of sound artists.” Hear some of the artist interviews and soundscapes on Soundcloud.
Sen Sound
Yoko Sen is an electronic musician who’s dedicated to changing the soundscape of hospital and hospital equipment to facilitate healing.
Other media, blogs, and publications that cover noise issues
Acoustic Fields
This YouTube channel is full of useful information about room acoustics, especially as it pertains to building sound studios. But it’s also common sense about how sound and noise travel, in general. They really dislike Green Glue, and of course we advocate it for certain situations. But nevertheless you’ll find a lot of interesting and useful information here and on their website.
Acoustical Solutions
Based in Virginia, USA, Acoustical Solutions sells sound-absorption and soundproofing products and also offers the Sound Advice blog with some DIY information about sound and various soundproofing applications.
Acoustics Today
The magazine of the Acoustic Society of America.
Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy sometimes covers neighbor-noise topics. This article from 2008 offered some tips for renters on how to mask apartment noise or avoid renting an apartment that could be noisy.
El Pais
This influential major Spanish media outlet covers noise topics in print and video. Here’s a collection of relevant stories, in Spanish.
ExplainThatStuff
Explain That Stuff promises to make hard topics easier to understand. Though it’s not specifically about noise and soundproofing, they do examine the topic here.
Hush City Soundproofing (Canada)
Not to be confused with the Hush City app and Hush City maps (see Dr. Antonella Radicchi’s work, above), Hush City Soundproofing is service in Canada that offers acoustical products and design services…. and a blog.
Next City
NextCity is a blog about many interesting urban topics. It’s not specifically about noise, but they occasionally write stories about topics like “Meet the reason why NYC’s newest subway is so quiet.”
The Noise Curmudgeon
Since 2012, this musician has covered topics on sound versus noise nuisances, which range from urban noise, leaf blowers, hospital noise, and more.
Noise News International
Online publication from the The International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE).
Planetizen
Planetizen covers lots of urban issues, including housing and transit. If you’re interested in urban planning, they also offer online courses. Occasionally they cover noise issues — like this article, “Why we need to reduce noise levels in cities” (January 2018).
Quiet Communities
Quiet Communities is comprised of several different groups that address different noise and public-health issues, and they publish articles on the main site.
Treehugger
Not necessarily related to acoustics, but about sustainability in buildings. The two issues sometimes intersect.
Other related podcasts
99% Invisible
This excellent podcast series covers a lot of topics. They did a two-part series on sound and noise: in the city and in hospitals.
Conversations in Tinnitus podcast
From the American Tinnitus Association
Hear Me Out
A podcast about audiology with experts and innovators in the field, with Mark Truong.
Listen Well
A podcast that explains acoustics in simple terms, from Octave Acoustics in Australia.
Talking Acoustics
Matthew Ottley hosts this podcast from Australia. Interviews with acoustic specialists.
Talking Headways podcast
From Streetsblog USA – covers urban and transit issues
Technopolis podcast
From Citylab
The Hearing Journal Podcast
Hosted by audiologist D’Anne Rudden, conversations about audiology
The Quiet Mark Podcast
Quiet Mark in the UK started a podcast in 2020 on similar topics we cover with Soundproofist, covering architectural acoustics, biophilia, health and sound design. They get some interesting guests!
The Rest is Just Noise
Starting in 2021, three soundscape researchers started this podcast to cover some familiar (or similar) topics, like The Year of Sound, soundscape perception, and the highlights of the Urban Sound Symposium.
The Urbanist podcast
From Monocle
Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast
The stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds (from 20k.org)