Noise Isolation Booths

I live in a self-contained annexe which is timber-framed and well insulated for heat but not, unfortunately, noise.

At present my way of reducing the noise levels take the form of ear plugs (mainly for use when sleeping), a pair of on-ear headphones for listening to the radio/TV,  a pair of ear defenders, and a pair over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. There are times, however, when I do not want to use any of those methods (for example because I am not keen on putting things into my ears or because of the heat and I have been looking for other ways of reducing the noise levels (alas, it is a waste of time trying to get people to be more considerate).

I have been looking at noise isolation booths. My initial searching seems to show the ready-made booths are tool tall (my ceiling height is 2.01 metres) and too costly (a few thousand pounds). Subsequently, I have been considering building a noise isolation booth.

My initial thoughts were to put my computer desk in the booth but I also thought about a booth with just enough room for me to sit and read. The former would take more room and be dearer but would be more practical.

Has anyone bought or built themselves a noise isolation booth? If so, I would really appreciate your thoughts and insights.

Or perhaps there are alternatives I have not considered.

Finally, I would like to keep this thread serious and would appreciate it not becoming a humorous thread. Thank you.

  • If I have understood correctly, a white noise machine creates am ambient sound which is meant to be pleasing/relaxing (e.g. a waterfall). I considered this but thought the addition of more noise (and I assume it would have to be quite loud to mask the other sounds) would simply add to my stress.

    I seem to remember listening to a sample white/pink noise and it sounded just like interference and I found it rather painful. Perhaps I am not remembering that episode correctly.

    If anyone can give more information on white/pink noise and their experiences of using such machines etc., that would be very helpful. Thank you.

  • White or pink noise is worth trying. Also I've learned I have a neurodiverse link between low muscle use and noise sensitivity, so if I start moving around more I get less noise feedback.

    You may find other links but it's worth trying

  • I had 18 months of absolute purgatory in a flat on our seafront.  I was so traumatised by it in the end that I lived in one room for ages.  Took me a long time to get back to being able to tolerate normal daily noise.

    That forum was very helpful - even if it was just being able to vent.  I really understand that frustration.  People are just so inconsiderate now.  And if you say anything, you get nowhere.  The old boy next door, when he first moved in, used to have his radio so loud that I could hear it in my flat.  I mentioned it politely to him, and he basically said 'Tough.  These are old houses.  The walls are thin.'  He's been in there all day for months now, banging and sawing.  I think he's building an ark for when the floods come.  Perhaps I should tell him he really ought to build it outdoors.  Down the beach, preferably.  On the other side of the coast.

    He's about as old as Noah.

  • Today I am really struggling with the noise. There is a boy kicking his football repeatedly against all manner of objects (when there is a recreation ground less than a minute's walk away) and that will go on for two hours or so, electric lawnmowers, someone playing music outside (why?) and a presumably young girl who screams repeatedly.

    I cannot wear my noise-cancelling headphones as it is far too hot. I cannot have the door or windows open due to the noise and I am very hot.

    Apologies for ranting.

    I have just had the annexe built and cannot afford to soundproof proof the walls and ceiling/roof and some parts of the walls are inaccessible.

    I looked into noise-cancelling technology and for a short time I thought I had found some options with the Muzo (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1280803647/muzo-your-personal-zone-creator-with-noise-blockin) and Whisper - The Noise Canceller (http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/wnc/whisper-the-noise-canceler/). The latter's funding was unsuccessful and updates for the former are only available to backers.

    There is also a sono noise canceller but that does not seem to be a reality either.

    I cannot describe my frustration at not being able toy buy such a device.

    Before I had my annexe built I tried finding a secluded place to live (Scotland, mainly) but the places I could afford were in urgent need of various repairs.

    I wish there was somewhere quiet where people like us could live.

  • I really understand you. I have exactly the same problem. I wish I could isolate my property from all of the other neighbors.

    Sometimes, I wish I could have a house in middle of nowhere.

    I agree, it is a waste of time trying to get people to be more considerate.

    Is it possible to soundproof the walls?

    How about the noise cancelling technology? It incorporates a microphone that measures ambient sound, generate a waveform that is the exact negative of the ambient sound.

    Are there neighborhoods out there where only people with autism live?

  • Thank you for the link. I have saved the page in Pocket to read in detail later.

  • Not a booth - but I tried some noise insulation once, when I was in a horribly noisy flat.  I built some 'boxes' out of MDF and stuffed them with insulation.  They were made to fit snugly in my window frames.  Waste of money!  They did nothing.  I found the 'Noisy Neighbours' forum a useful place for suggestions.  I know what a nightmare it can be.  I have to have peace to work.  Ambient traffic noise I can stand.  It's all the other stuff.  Music, etc. 

    Noisy Neighbours forum

    Good luck