Sound and noise guides
How loud things really are, what the numbers mean, and how to measure noise properly with your phone. New guides every week.
Measuring sound
How decibels work and how to get trustworthy readings from your phone.
Measuring soundWhat is a decibel? The dB scale, explained simply
Why the decibel scale is logarithmic, why +3 dB doubles the energy, and why two loud machines aren't twice as loud as one.
Measuring soundHow to measure decibels with your phone
Where to hold the phone, which settings to pick and how long to measure, so your dB readings actually mean something.
Measuring soundLeq, L10, L90 and SEL explained
The numbers in noise reports and planning conditions, decoded: average, background, peaks and single-event levels.
Measuring soundDecibel chart: how loud are everyday sounds?
From a whisper to a jet engine: typical dB levels of everyday sounds, and which ones put your hearing at risk.
Measuring sounddBA vs dBC vs dBZ: what's the difference?
Why sound meters weight frequencies, and when to use A, C or Z for hearing, bass-heavy music and peaks.
Measuring soundHow to calibrate a decibel meter app
Three ways to bring your phone's readings to within about 1 dB, and how to check the calibration has held.
Measuring soundThe best decibel meter app for Android: what to look for
The six things that separate a real sound level meter app from a toy, and the red flags to avoid.
Measuring soundAre decibel meter apps accurate?
What the research found, why many sound meter apps drift, and when a phone is (and isn't) good enough.
Hearing health
How loud is too loud, and how long you can safely listen.
Noise at home
Neighbours, nurseries, bedrooms and the hum you can't find.
Noise at homeHow loud should a baby's white noise machine be?
The research on infant sleep machines, the 50 dB target, and how to check yours in two minutes.
Noise at homeHow to measure noise from noisy neighbours
How to measure and log neighbour noise so it's useful to a landlord or council, and what levels actually matter.
Noise at homeHow to find a humming noise in your house
Use the hum's frequency to identify its source, from mains transformers and fridges to boiler pumps and heat pumps.
Music and going out
Gigs, rehearsals, restaurants and the gym.
Noise at work
Workplace limits, tools and machinery.
