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Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Top 25 most annoying sounds - and one thing sends Brits' stress levels soaring
Banging noises from neighbours and yapping dogs are among the irritating sounds that send our stress levels soaring, according to new research 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%.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: '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. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
North Wales Live
04-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: '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. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
