Find out what noise consultants actually do

Sound pollution is becoming quite a huge issue in most built-up environments today and recently I’ve started to think that maybe an noise consultant could do something to reduce noise levels.

As it turns out, continuous noise pollution is not as much of a problem as sudden peaks and troughs although in the work place, continuous noise that isn’t hugely loud is quite often a problem and can give rise to loss of hearing.

One of the most significant human issues with noise is that it has an adverse impact on sleep and incessant low-level sleep deprivation is bad for psychological and thus physical well-being.

To an Acoustic engineer this will be familiar territory. They exploit the latest acoustic apparatus to measure sound levels and pin-point sources of noise. By designing buildings to absorb sound energy they can significantly improve the quality of life for anyone in the vicinity and thus improve their well-being as well.

A common problem is due to aeroplane sound levels, especially in proximity to busy international airports like London Heathrow where aircraft fly in low over densely populated areas. Although there are usually controls on take off and landing times, major international & national airports effectively operate nearly 24 hours a day. Noise consultants are being used by airport noise objectors now to record sound levels and then to act as experts in environmental impact reports.