Let’s talk city noise: from “Noisy” to “Noice”

20% of the EU’s population lives in areas where noise levels are deemed harmful to human health. The World Health Organization considers noise pollution a leading environmental nuisance, and The Bolt Noice-O-Meter is here to raise awareness about it. 

Join us on a journey through urban streets as we explore the effects of noise on our lives and discover how city dwellers envision a quieter, more pleasant environment.

The noise problem: more than just a nuisance  

You’ve probably heard that noise pollution is bad, but did you know it’s called an “underestimated threat” by the World Health Organization (WHO)? 

It’s not just annoying — long-term exposure can seriously impact your health. We’re talking mental health issues, sleep disruption, a decrease in productivity, and even heart problems like strokes and heart attacks. Yikes!

At least 20% of the EU population lives in areas where noise levels are considered harmful. Unsurprisingly, road traffic is the main culprit, affecting 95 million people across the EU.

And it’s not just about hearing loss — studies show that constant noise exposure can lead to cognitive decline, headaches, and even premature deaths. Excessive noise contributes to around 11,000 premature deaths each year in Europe.

But are all sounds bad? Introducing the Bolt Noice-O-Meter  

With Bolt’s Noice-O-Meter, we’re taking a fun approach to highlight the issue and explore whether all city noises are necessarily negative. Think of it as your personal sound scale — recording everyday noises and ranking them from “NOISY” to “NOICE”. 

Here’s how some of our favourite city sounds measure up on the Noice-O-Meter:

– Whispering — 20 dB: NOICE
– Car horns — 110 dB: NOISY
– Riding a scooter — 65 dB: NOICE
– Heavy traffic — 85 dB: NOISY
– Birds chirping — 60 dB: NOICE
– Jackhammers — 130 dB: NOISY
– Children laughing — 70 dB: NOICE

Exposure to noise levels up to 70 dB is generally considered safe, while prolonged exposure to levels above 85 dB (more than 8 hours) can lead to hearing damage.

So, we hit the streets, microphone in hand, ready to capture the true essence of urban sounds — and hear what people had to say about noise pollution.

Ready to hear the difference? Check out our Noice-O-Meter video below.

Tips for reducing noise pollution

Here are a few tips on how to make your life a bit more “noice”:

Choose quieter modes of transport. Whenever possible, opt for quieter modes of transport, like cycling or walking and choose public transport to help reduce the number of cars on the road. Electric vehicles — including electric cars, e-bikes, and scooters — can offer a peaceful alternative for your travels.

Try noise-cancelling headphones. Although they won’t reduce the real problem of noise in urban areas (too many cars), they’re perfect for tuning out the chaos while commuting or working. For your safety, just remember to stay aware of traffic and your surroundings.

Spend more time in parks, not car parks. Plants help by absorbing and deflecting noise, giving us the calming sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds instead of honking cars. Nature doesn’t just look good — it sounds good, too. So, ditch your car and enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through local green spaces.

Stand up for greenery. Greenery is an unsung hero in tackling urban problems, from poor mental health to heat islands. Yet, cities often sacrifice these vital areas for road expansions. Help combat the loss of vegetation by reducing your reliance on private cars and advocating for more greenery.

Create a calmer environment. At home or work, consider soundproofing options like rugs, curtains, or wall panels to minimise noise intrusion. Strategically placed bookshelves can help absorb sound or act as barriers, while cushions and upholstered furniture dampen sound in any room. 

Let’s make our cities a little more “noice” together!