Sound v noise
The term ‘sound’ refers to a form of energy that is transmitted by pressure variations or vibrations that travel through the air or other mediums and that can be ‘heard’ by the ear or other devices.
Sound is generally characterised by continuous and regular vibrations, as opposed to noise which is characterised by more irregular fluctuations.
In subjective terms, noise might be considered to be an unpleasant sound that causes disturbance.
The building regulations approved document E, Resistance to the passage of sound describes ‘noise’ as ‘an unwanted sound’.
Noise nuisance is excessive noise or disturbance that may have a negative effect on health or the quality of life.
The government defines three levels of noise:
- No observed effect level – the level of noise exposure where there is no effect on health or the quality of life.
- Lowest observed effect level – adverse effects on health and the quality of life can be detected.
- Significant observed adverse effect level – the level of noise exposure where there can be significant effects on health and quality of life.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Acoustics in the workplace.
- Agent of change.
- Airborne sound.
- Approved Document E.
- Ash deafening.
- BSRIA Noise in the built environment TG 20/2021.
- Building acoustics.
- Building Bulletin 93: acoustic design of schools.
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
- Decibel.
- Deed of easement.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Flanking sound.
- Noise nuisance.
- Planning condition.
- Impact sound.
- Intruder alarm.
- Reverberation time.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Room acoustics.
- Sound absorption.
- Sound frequency.
- Sound insulation.
- Sound power.
- Sound reduction index (SRI).
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?