Some noises you can tolerate. Others press on your nerves constantly until you can no longer function normally in your own apartment. Sounds from neighbors may seem minor, but over time, if they are constant, they become a real source of stress.
What kind of noise do neighbors produce?
Common causes for these noises:
parquet flooring mounted directly on concrete, without an insulation layer;
lack of rugs to attenuate footsteps;
children jumping on the floor for hours on end;
chairs being pulled directly on tiles, without foot protection.
Airborne Noise These are the ones that travel through the air: music, voices, laughter, screams, the television turned up too loud. Thin walls, lack of soundproofing, and poorly sealed windows allow them to pass through without a problem.
The most frequent situations:
the neighbor downstairs listens to manele on large speakers;
the one next door talks loudly on the phone with the window open;
a family has the television on continuously at a high volume.
Technical Noise Sometimes, the noises don't come directly from the neighbors, but they originate there nonetheless. Examples:
noisy pipes;
radiators that constantly make noise due to the water circulating through them;
air conditioning units vibrating on the common wall.
All of these can indicate faulty installation or cheap appliances installed without adequate sound insulation.
What effects does constant noise have on you?
Increases stress and irritability levels
Reduces sleep quality and leads to chronic fatigue
Decreases concentration ability
Can contribute to anxiety, especially in people with sensitive hearing
Increases blood pressure in cases of frequent exposure
Your body is not made to withstand uncontrolled noise for long periods. Not even if it seems slight. When repeated, even the smallest sounds can become annoying. Especially if you cannot retreat into a quiet space.
