Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Noise pollution ruffles more than just our feathers

From communication and feeding to hormone balance and breeding success, a sweeping global review finds that human-made noise is disrupting nearly every aspect of bird life. Researchers say the patterns are predictable and preventable, making noise reduction one of the simplest, most effective tools we have to protect declining bird populations before our noise drowns out their song.

Experts weigh in on the hearing health impacts of farming

Farmers face some of the highest rates of hearing loss in any profession, and a new Farm Safety Roundup podcast from RealAgriculture highlights how everyday equipment, from tractors to swine barns reaching 130dB, creates dangerous, long‑term noise exposure. To avoid this, occupational hygienist Scott McLachlin recommends simple solutions like quieter machinery and consistent use of hearing protection, reminding farmers that while noise is inevitable on the job, preventable hearing damage shouldn’t be.

Rooster's crow triggers noise complaints

In Norfolk, England, a cockerel named Colonel has earned himself an anti‑social‑behaviour warning and community protection notice after his morning crow proved too loud for his neighbours — an odd reminder that noise really does ruffle more than feathers. His owner, 58‑year‑old Sue Farthing, calls the whole thing insanity, while 600 supporters have rallied behind the bird.