In her new book, “Shouting Won’t Help: Why I — and 50 Million Other Americans — Can’t Hear You” author Katherine Bouton says “The sad truth is that many of us are responsible for our own hearing loss,” caused by “the noise we blithely subject ourselves to day after day.” So much of this noise is right inside your house. Not only can it physically impair your hearing, but it can take a toll on your ability to relax and fully enjoy your home. The best way to avoid these problems is to omit the additional sound. The following are ten ways to help you reduce all that noise and get more peace at home.
10. One word: Earphones
Many of us forget how important this can be. Don’t blast music, the computer or noisy games on your phone. Not only will this reduce the noise others have to deal with; but when enjoyed at a reasonable level it, will spare your ears as well as those around you. Just remember: listening at any higher than 50% volume capacity can permanently damage your hearing; so keep the volume down.
9. Oil door hinges
Creaky doors are some of the most irritating sounds, yet are common to most homes. Adding a few drops of oil, like WD-40, to the hinges reduces the friction and thus the noise caused by door movement.
8. Make friends with Fido
Hire a dog behavior analyst or obedience trainer. Some dogs yap at the worst times: when you’re on the phone, when your favorite show comes on or when you’re hiding from the in-laws. Make sure the dog is happy and well-mannered so as not to bark so often.
7. Cover floors with rugs
According to Apartment Therapy‘s Tech Editor Gregory Han, the best way to combat noise for homes with hardwood floors is to cover them with rugs or carpet tiles. Not only is this helpful for decreasing noise from downstairs rooms or apartments, but it also reduces the amount of noise coming from your space.
6. Keep Your Cool
If your kids are driving you nuts or causing trouble, refrain from raising your voice and adding to the chaos. Using a calm, even tone can help reduce the excess noise caused by yelling or arguing, as well as ensuring that you remain at peace at home.
5. Soundproof the louder rooms
Music rooms, gaming rooms and even laundry rooms are typically the noisiest in any home. Soundproofing them is one way to diffuse or eliminate the extra noise. Soundproofing can be as simple as hanging curtains on the walls to muffle the noise, or adding additional insulation in the walls.
4. Turn off the TV
When at home alone, some people feel more comfortable when the TV is playing, even if they are not watching it. Others feel as though it will deter home invaders. If it’s not being used, spare the electricity bill (and the noise) and turn it off.
3. Turn off small appliances
Most electronic appliances emit some kind of constant sound. Even computers have fans that create extra noise. Those buzzes and whirs become more noticeable when the devices are not being used.
2. Turn off fluorescent lights
Just like appliances, fluorescent lights create the same irritating hums. Turning them off when not in use cuts down on the extra noise.
1. Install a door closer
You could be angry, careless or just clumsy. Whether intentional or accidental, slammed doors are a nuisance to everyone. Control your anger clumsiness with a door closer. They feature pneumatic dampers that control the speed with which the door closes.
Take a minute to stop and listen to all of the sounds in your home. You will likely notice things most people overlook every day. Moments of silence make us calmer. Being calm promotes better health. Silence also allows for better sleep, which in turn allows for better productivity. Find ways to trim down the additional commotion. Your health may depend on it.
Post Author: andyc.
