Soundproofist

Dr. Arline Bronzaft is a pioneering researcher, psychologist, noise activist, and consultant. Her tireless work since the 1970s changed noise policy in New York City and beyond. In this interview, we review her accomplishments and challenges during multiple administrations. Her grandson, Matt Santoro, joins in. 

What are the biggest noise issues in the UK right now? Soundproofist talks with longtime activist John Stewart about efforts to mitigate traffic noise, airport noise, and more. 

Jan L. Mayes is an audiologist who specializes in tinnitus and other hearing issues that involve noise tolerance. She authored the book, "Tinnitus Toolbox Hyperacusis Handbook," and shares information about various auditory issues and coping strategies in this podcast episode.

Not all earplugs are alike! If you enjoy live music, you can wear earplugs that filter the instruments but still allow you to enjoy the event. At the same time, they lower the decibel levels that can damage your hearing. Eargasm is a company that specializes in ear plugs for live music venues, and its founder, Ryan Parry, shares his insights with Soundproofist in this episode. 

A soundwalk is an intentional listening experience that focuses on the soundscape of an environment. Brought to worldwide attention by environmentalists such as the late R. Murray Schafer , it's practiced today around the world. But how do you conduct a soundwalk?  There's more than one way, and Dr. Antonella Radicchi , who authored " A Pocket Guide to Soundwalking ," describes...

Most cities have parks and quiet spaces, but they're seldom documented for their quality. We talk with Dr. Antonella Radicchi about why she developed the Hush City app to capture their essence. Hush City includes decibel readings, audio recordings, documenting the types of ambient sound, and describing how it makes you feel. Before you upload the data for a quiet space, take a photo and the i...

Like many restaurant patrons, Gregory Scott struggled to hear his companions when dining in New York City restaurants. He kept a list of venues that were "quieter." Then he decided to create an app where customers could submit noise ratings, put the restaurant geolocations on a map, and help others  find venues where they could hold a conversation without shouting and straining. That app...

Dr . Erica Walker is a public health researcher and the founder of Noise and the City and the Community Noise Lab . She's been tracking the impact of noise on communities in Boston  as well as in other cities.  In this interview, she talks about how she was personally affected by noise and how it inspired her to help others. She stresses the importance of quantifying how noise makes people fe...

Restaurants can get noisy, even when they're not very crowded. Their hard surfaces create reverb and amplify sound. Customers often have to shout over the sound of piped-in music, kitchen activities, and other customers.  These noise levels could be reduced with sound panels and other noise treatments. We discuss some options with Mitch Zlotnik, founder of Audimute, one of the leading compani...