Clomal Review: A Groundbreaking Book Examines the Global Impact of Noise

shout
Chris Berdik (WW Norton)

Noise is a constant presence, easily overlooked until its intensity shifts significantly. We recognize familiar sounds—the heartbeats and hums of daily life—just as readily as we notice the sights seen during commutes and other outings.

When those familiar sounds change, we pay attention. Many express a desire for quietude, yet Chris Berdik, a science journalist, posits that this intricately overlaps with positive noise. He argues in his book, Cry: Noise Took Over the World – And How Can It Be Regained?, that sometimes we need to introduce pleasant sounds to mask the more intrusive ones.

While noise-cancelling headphones sell well, Berdik emphasizes that they are not a universal fix. Introducing white or grey noise can mitigate harmful sounds, yet complete silencing can often have detrimental effects.

It is crucial to cultivate the right kind of noise, as it directly impacts our health. For instance, my neighbor’s piano while I read Berdik’s work doesn’t elevate my stress levels as much as the sounds of children playing soccer against my living room walls. The immediate effects are concerning, but the long-term implications offer even greater cause for reflection.

Nearly 40 million adults in the US experience noise-induced hearing loss, with projections estimating this figure could nearly double by 2060. This is a universal challenge, as the World Health Organization indicates that over 1 billion young individuals globally face an avoidable risk of hearing impairment due to their use of devices such as smartphones and audio players. Remarkably, one in four respondents suggest that by 2050, they will be putting their hearing at risk.

I read this book amidst rising discussions about noise management. Recently, in the UK, proposed legislation suggested allowing loud music on public transport without headphones—a surprisingly popular thought.

Yet, a contrasting perspective emerged during my recent days spent in the hospital listening to the beeping machines connected to my grandfather. As time passed, those sounds became familiar, aligning with Berdik’s observation about how our brains adapt.

This prevailing issue touches on another compelling narrative Berdik shares in shout: a healthcare professional working on redesigning medical machines to ensure critical signals aren’t drowned out by unnecessary noise. Her innovations include auditory icons—concise sound cues conveying essential information, like the sound of breathing.

The ramifications of noise reach beyond human experiences. Berdik points out that from 1950 to 2007, ambient noise levels in the deep sea rose by 3.3 decibels per decade.

This increase has tangible effects on sea life; for instance, the sounds created by ocean vessels interfere with the communication frequencies of whales.

Change is essential, Berdik insists. This means reducing loud music on public transport—a notion that some, like the liberal Democrats, seem to champion. Furthermore, it calls for a reevaluation of our reliance on noise-cancelling headphones and a thoughtful assessment of the noise we wish to retain versus the noise we seek to eliminate.

Chris Stokell Walker is a technology writer based in Newcastle, UK

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