While some sounds can make you feel happy and calm, some are just plain noise, and apparently folks have gotten a lot less tolerant of certain sounds over the past two years.
A new survey by OnePoll on behalf of Loop Earplugs finds:
- Over half of those polled say that since the pandemic started they find they’ve become more sensitive to noise.
- 52% suffer from headaches due to loud noises, averaging about six a week.
- 43% say they’ve developed a sensitivity to loud music.
- 42% say the same about loud conversations.
- When it comes to members of their household, 29% say they dread hearing loud phone conversations, with another 29% dreading loud chewing.
- And while some can tune out certain noises, others find them a bit distracting.
- Some of the most distracting outdoor noises include:
- Vehicles on a busy road (sirens, horns honking, etc.) (34%)
- Loud music (33%)
- Roadwork or other construction (33%)
- Babies crying (32%)
- Kids playing loudly (29%)
- Meanwhile, distracting indoor noises include:
- Noise from neighbors (30%)
- Noise from other people’s personal electronics (30%)
- Arrhythmic house sounds (ex. leaky faucets, creaky pipes) (29%)
- Kitchen appliances (ex. blenders, food processors, etc.) (29%)
- Noise from other household members/Conversations (29%)
- Kids playing loudly (28%)
Source: SWNS Digital