Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
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?
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.