Noise from domestic entertainment

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Noise from domestic entertainment such as stereos, radios and televisions can annoy, cause stress and generally affect the quality of life in a residential area. It is the biggest cause of complaints between neighbours.

We accept that people have a right to enjoy their homes, their choice of music and to have a good time. However, people do not have the right to spoil other peoples enjoyment of their homes by having noisy parties late into the night or playing loud music on a regular basis. This behaviour can cause distress, loss of sleep and even illness.

We all need to be considerate and respect our neighbours.

What can the Council do?

Every case is different, but for us to get involved, the noise must cause 'unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of your property' and must occur regularly - at any time of day or night. If you are being affected by a noise of this kind please contact us to discuss it further.

Preventing noise from domestic sound systems - what you can do

  • Loudspeakers - these should not be fixed to, or even close to, party walls;
  • Vibration - try to insulate the speakers from the floor or from party walls. This will reduce the noise and vibration reaching next door. A purpose built speaker stand or carpet/underlay will help deaden the sound;
  • Volume - keep the volume as low as possible. As it gets later in the evenings, turn it down;
  • Bass beat - Be careful about the bass controls, and don't have them up too loud;
  • Hours of use - nuisance can occur at anytime but you should be especially considerate about the volume of noise at night;
  • Headphones - personal headphones can be used with most domestic music systems. You can get cordless headphones, which allow you to enjoy your music and still move around. Be careful not to have the volume up too loud, or you could cause long-term damage to your hearing;
  • Loss of hearing - some noise complaints arise due to people who are gradually losing their hearing and simply don't notice. As a result, over the years they slowly turn up the volume on their music systems or televisions so they can hear them. Eventually, the equipment is so loud that people in neighbouring properties may be disturbed. A lot can be done in these circumstances, and perhaps the best option is a special adaptation to the television so that it 'talks' directly to a hearing aid meaning that the person with loss of hearing can hear perfectly well, without affecting others.
  • Professional equipment - if you have professional equipment bear in mind the higher power levels and so greater consideration required.

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Contact Details

Environmental Health,
Ipswich Borough Council,
3W Grafton House,
15-17 Russell Road,
Ipswich,
IP1 2DE