The human body does not function well in noise, consuming enormous amounts of energy to protect itself from its destructive effects. Prolonged exposure to sounds between 70 and 85 dB, which is the noise produced by a passing car, can even cause hearing damage! In urban environments, our hearing is bombarded by traffic noise (75-100 dB) and construction noise (up to approx. 110 dB), while in rural areas it is affected, among other things, by the noise of agricultural machinery (80-100 dB).
This phenomenon occurs so frequently that it even has its own name: acoustic smog.
To ensure a peaceful rest and good health for yourself and your loved ones, it is worth paying attention to the conditions in which we spend long periods of time. In today’s article, we advise you on how to effectively prevent noise in your home using readily available solutions.
1. Add textiles and sound-absorbing elements
Interior design elements such as thick carpets and acoustic curtains effectively absorb external noise, while fluffy cushions and upholstered furniture help reduce reverberation inside the building. This simple way to improve the acoustics of your home allows you to significantly reduce the overall noise level, while also serving decorative purposes.
2. Consider using acoustic panels
Do you share your flat with someone who loves playing instruments, someone who often holds video conferences, or maybe you have a lot of hard surfaces and bare walls in your home? If your main problem is reverberation between rooms, sound-absorbing (or acoustic) panels are the right solution for you. Mounted on walls or ceilings, they reduce unwanted noise transmission and improve acoustics.
3. Make sure your windows and doors are airtight
It is worth noting that external noise easily penetrates through poorly sealed windows, doors that are not properly fitted or protruding window frames. Therefore, remember to regularly check their condition, maintain the fittings and replace the seals when they are worn out.
Please note that in older buildings this may not be sufficient, so it is worth considering replacing windows with models offering improved sound insulation, with modern triple-glazed units. We also remind you about the possibility of installing special double-glazed units with acoustic films, which significantly improve the acoustics of the entire window.
4. Consider a better arrangement of furniture
Preparing cutlets at 6 a.m. on Sunday, a long-lasting renovation, washing machine turned on late in the evening... The good news is that you can also reduce noise from neighbours (to a certain extent) by placing furniture along the walls that separate us from them. Strategically placed furniture that we already have (e.g. solid bookcases, wardrobes or display cabinets) will help to muffle unwanted sounds coming from neighbouring rooms.
5. Discover the possibilities of modern headphones and earplugs
Although earplugs may remind us of anachronistic, uncomfortable earstoppers, today we have a whole range of comfortable, customised models that can be worn all day or at night. These are:
- disposable earplugs (foam, wax or silicone),
- reusable earplugs with noise reduction filter, allowing you to hear conversations around you,
- specialised in-ear earplugs for sleeping,
- passive protective headphones (without electronics),
- active headphones (with electronics), also with ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) technology,
- and many more!
Acoustic smog is a real problem, but proper insulation, modern windows and doors, as well as minor changes in interior design will be our allies, significantly reducing noise levels.
Don’t hesitate to attempt to create a space where rest and work will be a real pleasure. We will be happy to advise you on the products that will work best in your environment and meet your specific challenges – contact us!
