Top 25 most annoying sounds - and one thing sends Brits' stress levels soaring
The incessant banging from neighbours and the constant yapping of dogs are among the infuriating sounds that send our stress levels through the roof.
New research has shed light on the noises that really get under our skin. Alongside the maddening hammering from next door and whining canines, drilling, loud chewing and buzzing flies also make the list.
A staggering 87% of us simply cannot bear certain sounds - causing our heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week. Nearly half (48%) concur that aspects of modern life now just seem too loud and overwhelming, reports the Daily Star.
Hammering and banging top the chart, with 46% of the 2,000 Brits surveyed naming it as their primary annoyance alongside the yap of a small dog (46%), and the sound of drilling emanating from next door (45%).
Other vexing noises testing the nation's patience include noisy chewing (42%), snoring partners (30%), revving engines (19%), slurping tea or coffee (19%), car horns (17%), and high-pitched children's toys (15%).
The study from eco-tech brand Hive revealed that building and renovation noises feature prominently in the list with the screech of an angle grinder being a nuisance to 29% of us, followed by roadworks outside (22%), dripping taps (19%), and squeaky hinges (18%).
One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them up the wall, while over a quarter (26%) detest speakerphone conversations in public.
An overwhelming 85% of Brits find solace in certain sounds that help them unwind, such as the chirping of birds (42%), the pitter-patter of rain on a tent (38%), the soothing symphony of waves lapping at the shore (37%) and the tranquil sound of a waterfall (36%).
Professor Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology shed light on how noise isn't just a mere annoyance but can escalate stress, disrupt concentration, and impair sleep, noting, "Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep."
Relationships can sometimes bear the brunt of noise disruptions, with Ward adding, "In some cases, they can also strain relationships." He continued by explaining, "However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others."
Ward also pointed out the positive side of acoustics: "Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions." Commenting on the everyday cacophony that irks many, Susan Wells, director of EV and solar at Hive, remarked, "Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction."
To highlight the launch of Hive's calming audio track 'Green Noise', featuring the soothing sounds of a heat pump's gentle hum, an electric vehicle's purr, and the soft clicking of a smart thermostat, research delved into the UK's most aggravating noises.
Revealing the UK's top list of the least endearing noises, hammering or banging from neighbours and the incessant yap of a small dog both take the lead with a 46% thumbs down, closely followed by the grating sound of drilling from another property at 45% and the loud munching of food reaching 42%.
Other irritants include an intrusive fly buzzing at 38%, the jolting noise of a car alarm at night resonating with 37%, and public phone speakers blaring music or videos annoying 31% of those surveyed.
The nightly symphony of a partner's snoring irks 30%, while the harsh screech of an angle grinder takes 29%.
Someone chatting on a mobile in public via speakerphone – 26%.
Folk yelling in the street – 23%.
A knife or fork scraping a plate – 22%.
A neighbour blasting music loudly – 22%.
Roadworks outside your home – 22%.
Someone slamming a door – 21%.
Someone breathing heavily – 19%.
Motorbikes or cars revving their engines – 19%.
A dripping tap – 19%.
Someone with a cold constantly sniffing – 19%.
A person slurping their tea/coffee – 19%.
A squeaky hinge on a door – 18%.
The slurping sound from a straw when someone gets to the bottom of their drink – 18%.
Car horns – 17%.
An irritating laugh – 17%.
Someone sneezing in an exaggerated manner – 17%.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned over 'law-breaking' 30 year hedgerow rule - when not to chop
It's frustrating when a hedge starts to overgrow into your country laneway – but Brits need to beware of one important rule before whipping out their saw. Not all hedges can be cut down whenever you feel like it. According to UK government guidance, a countryside hedgerow can't be cut down if it meets three important criteria in the realm of length, location and 'importance'. Otherwise, you risk incurring an unlimited fine. The first step to checking if you can chop a hedge down is taking out your tape measure. A hedgerow is protected if it's more than 20m long and has gaps of 20m or less in its length. It's also protected if it's less than 20m long, but meets another hedge at each end. Households with bedding plants urged to act now to stop them dying You also need to take note of where the hedge is located. A hedgerow is protected if it's growing on land used for agriculture or forestry, or for breeding or keeping horses, ponies or donkeys. It's also protected if it falls on common land, a village green, a site of special scientific interest, a protected European site such as a special area of conservation or special protection area. You also may not chop a hedge down if it is in a local or national nature reserve, or on land belonging to the state. However, it's worth remembering that a hedgerow is not protected if it's either in or marks the boundary of a private garden. But how do you tell if a hedge is 'important'? A hedge is considered important if it is at least 30 years old and meets at least one other criteria. These criteria are quite specific and include marking part or all of a parish boundary that existed before 1850, containing an archaeological feature, or being completely or partly in or next to an archaeological site listed on a Historic Environment Record (HER). A hedge is also important if it marks the boundary of an estate or manor – or if it even looks to be related to any building or other feature that's part of the estate or manor - that existed before 1600. You may also not cut a hedge down if it is part of a field system or looks to be related to any building or other feature associated with the field system that existed before 1845. advises Brits to check the County Records Office for this information. You also need to check if the hedge contains any protected species listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, or any that are endangered, vulnerable and rare and identified in the British Red Data books. It's also essential to check if the hedgerow includes woody species and associated features as specified in Schedule 1, Part II Criteria, paragraph 7(1) of the Hedgerow Regulations. It's worth bearing in mind that the number of woody species needed to meet the criteria is one less in northern counties
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Gen Z are making their tea without a kettle and it's an 'absolute violation'
As Brits, we're famous the world over for enjoying a good cup of tea — and proud of it. However, it appears that some of us have begun taking a rather, erm, creative approach to preparing our morning cuppa. While getting the kettle on might be one of the first things most of us do on any given morning, it appears that isn't the case for every age group. New statistics, which almost made us spit out our tea, reveal over half of Gen Z (those aged 18 to 27) makes their brew (brace yourself) in the microwave. The research, carried out by comparison experts USwitch, found that three-fifths of Gen Z (58%) admitted to the practice, with a shocking one in six (17%) doing so every day. In news that probably has Earl Grey himself spinning in his grave, they aren't even the only ones at it. Millennials (aged 28-43) were the next most likely age bracket to prefer a nuked brew, with 32% of them admitting to the practice, and Gen X (aged 44-59) took third place, with 15% of them choosing to prepare tea radiation-style. Rounding out the list are the Baby Boomers (those aged 60 to 78) and the Silent Generation (aged 79 and above), with just 10% of the former and only 6% of the latter using a microwave to make tea. Gen Z (18-27) – 58% (18-27) – 58% Millennials (28-43) – 32% (28-43) – 32% Gen X (44-59) – 15% (44-59) – 15% Boomers (60-78) – 10% (60-78) – 10% Silent Generation (79+) – 6% Unsuprisingly, the practice of microwaving tea has disturbed many. The practice is actually surprisingly common in America, and when stateside content creators have filmed themselves making tea in this way, it's caused quite the backlash from Brits. 'I think I just witnessed a crime,' and KerryManyLetters commented on one such video, 'How? How can people not know how to make tea?'. While another called it an 'absolute violation' and a third said that microwaving tea fell under the category of 'things that should be illegal but aren't!' Others had a more emotional reaction. User @sillybillylilly wrote: 'This physically hurts its not even funny there are tears in my eyes.' Meanwhile those who have attempted to make tea 'American-style' in the microwave were less than impressed, with Irish creator Garron Noone (garron_music), describing it as tasting like 'sterilised baby bottles'. As someone who considers themselves a self-styled brew connoisseur, it's a question that I personally never thought I'd have to ask. However, it appears that there is, at least, some reasoning behind why the younger demographic might be turning to the microwave to make a brew. Natalie Mathie, energy expert at remarks: 'It's possible that many younger people use a microwave because kettles are often banned in student accommodation, but this is a trend that's growing with each passing generation. More Trending 'While it seems like an affront to basic tea-making traditions, if it works for people, who are we to argue? 'However you're boiling your water, make sure you only put in the amount of water you need, as heating excess water can waste a lot of electricity' Whatever option you prefer – kettle, hob, microwave – the cost of boiling your tea water is still only about 1p per cuppa. View More » If you are really counting the pennies, then technically, a covered pan on a gas hob is the cheapest way to make tea, at just 0.74p. However, you're gonna be waiting a while for that brew. Gas hob (covered pan) – 0.74p (in 217 seconds) Gas hob (uncovered pan) – 0.84p (in 245 seconds) Microwave – 1.03p (in 180 seconds) Electric kettle – 1.11p (in 52 seconds) Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Bizarre theory around Trisha Paytas' superhero-inspired name of third baby MORE: Mum-of-six reserves sun beds then leaves resort to go shopping and get breakfast MORE: People are wearing 'five finger shoes' to the office in a fashion move we never saw coming Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Air India crash probe major update on key issue thought to be its cause
Following the horror crash last month, which killed 261 people, including dozens of Brits, Air India has inspected its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 planes. Air India has found no issues in the locking mechanism of fuel control switches for its Boeing aircrafts. This key update comes after the doomed Air India flight 171 crash, which killed 261 people last month. The Boeing 787 jetliner - bound for Gatwick Airport - careered into a medical college in Ahmedabad, India, moments after take-off, reports the Mirror. The airline's entire fleet of both Boeing 787s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners have now been inspected. It said in a statement today: "In the inspections, no issues were found with the said locking mechanism." Such a fault would typically starve both engines of fuel, something which was highlighted as a possible cause in a preliminary investigation by third-party authorities this month. The two findings jar, but Air India reminded reporters it has some 33 Dreamliners in its fleet and subsidiary and low-cost unit Air India Express operates more than 70 Boeing 737 jets. Last week, India's aviation regulator ordered all airlines operating several Boeing models to examine fuel control switches and submit their findings to the regulator by July 21. In the past few weeks, the airline has faced disruptions in services amid heightened scrutiny and additional safety inspections, leading to flight delays, cancellations and growing passenger anxiety. On Monday, an Air India Airbus 320 flight veered off the runway as it landed during heavy rainfall at Mumbai International Airport, partially damaging the underside of one of the plane's engines and leading to a temporary runway closure. The flight had flown from Kochi in the southern state of Kerala. The airline said in a statement that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely and the aircraft was grounded for checks. In another incident, an Air India flight from Hong Kong had a fire in its auxiliary power unit on Tuesday while passengers were exiting the aircraft after it landed in New Delhi. 'The auxiliary power unit was automatically shut down as per system design. There was some damage to the aircraft, however, passengers and crew members disembarked normally, and are safe,' the airline said. Its statement added the aircraft was grounded for investigation and the aviation safety regulator notified. Indian conglomerate Tata Sons took over Air India in 2022, returning the debt-saddled national carrier to private ownership after decades of government control. The $2.4 billion (£1.7 billion) deal was seen as the government's effort to sell off a loss-making, state-run businesses. It also was in some ways a homecoming for Air India, which was launched by the Tata family in 1932. Since the takeover, Air India has ordered hundreds of new planes worth more than $70 billion (£51 billion), redesigned its branding and livery and absorbed smaller airlines that Tata held stakes in. The company additionally has committed millions of dollars to digital overhauls of aircrafts and refurbishing interiors of more than five dozen legacy planes. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
