The Pursuit of Quiet
It is important to ensure one’s environment is conducive to clear thinking
It is a known science that one’s environment influences the mind and brain performance. The physical harm caused by noise is widely acknowledged, and we have legislation that protects us from noise, in the workplace, highways and airports. And of course, both the mind and the brain work better in a friendly environment than on the stressful one.
What I am saying here is the mental stresses of the by-products of the so-called modern-day convenient living. The automobile creates noise and airborne pollutants. The background din of our television can interfere with reading and relaxation. The background roar of highway and industry and the jet-travel is a challenge to the quietness we seek.
Noise Is Hard To Exclude From Our Lives
In an environment dominated by machines and crowded with people, a little sonic privacy can be hard to find. Noise slips over office partitions, under locked doors, travel easily through the glass, which has driven some lovers of quiet seeking the ultimate in sound deadening solutions. Some of these solutions are double or even triple glazing doors and windows.
‘’Noise can impair both emotional well-being and productivity through its action on the nervous system.’’ Jack C. Westman, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin
When we look at the noise level in the home, the household generates its own sonic pollution, the noise from vent fans, blenders, arguing energetic kids, laundry machines, dryers and vacuum cleaners to mention just a few. We have to look for ways to improve on the quietness we seek at home.
Ways To Improve Sonic Environment
Plug your ears — this is useful when you can’t unplug a noise source, consider plugging your ears with earplugs, canal caps and acoustic earmuffs.
Earplugs are the most popular, plugs should lower the sound level to the point that they are not likely to challenge the power of concentration.
White Noise — Instead of cutting down on the noise, you may find it easier to cover it up with what we call, ‘’WHITE NOISE’’. This is a bland background noise that dampens the irritating noise pollution but yet doesn’t call attention to itself. There are apps, a generator or an electronic white noise.
However, a similar effect is obtained by running radio between stations or adjusting bass and treble controls for the best muting hiss. You can produce a soothing sound remarkably like falling rain. Even a fan or air conditioner on a fast setting can mask the unpleasant sound with a sound that quickly becomes an innocuous part of the background.
In The Home And Office
You can block the sound of traffic, the neighbours’ dogs and other outdoor noises by double or triple glazing door and windows. Doors and windows are two ways of plugging a room so that less noise gets in.
A solid wood door will exclude noise better than a hollow lighter one. If the floor is transmitting an unacceptable level of noise, you can lay down new flooring on top of the existing one.
Dense materials like wood, wallboard, and glass do the best job of stopping noise, while porous materials like carpet can help by absorbing noise.
Other Ways To Reduce Noise In The Home
Foam Pads/Square of Carpets — Thick foam pads or square of carpets can be placed under kitchen appliances that turn countertops into sounding boards. Similarly, a square carpet can be placed under a noisy refrigerator.
Flexible Connections — To prevent dishwashers and washing machines from rattling the plumbing, have them installed with flexible connections.
Buy A Quieter Model — Spend a little bit more by buying a model with a low noise level.
Establish A Quiet Hour — Have a quiet time at home where everyone recedes to his or her room to observe quiet time. A period set aside for quiet conversation, reading, studying etc.
Adverse Effect Of Noise On Health
Noise disturbance can cause loss of sleep, reduce efficiency and damage to hearing. Long term effect leads to cardiac illness, that is, constriction in blood vessels and muscle, and permanent loss of hearing. The conclusion is that the noise effect on health can be damaging.