With noise so all-pervasive, many people simply do not realize when they are causing a disturbance to others. If they knew, some would no doubt cease the offending activity. It is for this reason that a friendly approach to a noisy neighbor can work. One person became angry over his neighbors’ official complaints that he was noisy. He said: “I would have assumed that they would have come round to see me face-to-face if they were upset with the noise.” A mother who organized a party for some young children expressed astonishment when confronted by an official investigating a noise complaint. “I wish those who made the complaints had knocked on my door and told me if they were unhappy,” she observed. Little wonder, then, that one British environmental health officer was amazed to discover that 80 percent of those complaining about domestic noise have never asked their neighbors to quiet down.

People’s reticence to speak with noisy neighbors indicates a lack of mutual respect. ‘If I want to play my music, I can. It’s my right!’ is the response they expect and frequently get. They are afraid that a kindly suggestion to adjust the volume might lead to confrontation as the noisy neighbor labels their complaint impertinent. What a sad reflection this is on present-day society! How like the Biblical statement that in these “critical times hard to deal with,” people in general would be ‘lovers of themselves, haughty, fierce, and headstrong’!—2 Timothy 3:1-4.

Much depends on the approach the victim takes. Woman’s Weekly magazine offered the following scenario of how to resolve a tense situation after an aggressive complaint that backfired: “A warm and very human, ‘Look, I’m sorry—I blew my top but I get so tired when I can’t sleep’ will probably be all it takes to conciliate [defensive neighbors].” Perhaps they will gladly move their amplifying equipment away from the adjoining wall and lower the volume somewhat.

Realistically, it is worth your while to preserve good relations with your neighbors. Some local government authorities offer a mediation service to reconcile opposing neighbors. In view of the strong feelings official complaints provoke, calling in an enforcement agent should be viewed as “an absolute last resort.”

If you anticipate moving to a new dwelling, you will find it wise to check on possible sources of noise disturbance before you finalize contracts. Real-estate brokers recommend that you visit your prospective home at different times of the day to check on noise. You could ask neighbors for their observations. Should you encounter problems after moving into your new residence, try to resolve them in a neighborly way. Litigation generally encourages animosity.

How You Can Avoid Being a Noisy Neighbor

● Consider your neighbors when you do something noisy, and inform them beforehand.

● Cooperate when asked by a neighbor to reduce noise.

● Realize that your pleasure should not lead to your neighbors’ distress.

● Remember that noise and vibration transmit easily through halls and floors.

● Place noisy household equipment on padding.

● Make sure that someone can be called to deal with false alarms from house and car.

● Don’t carry out noisy work or use noisy domestic appliances late at night.

● Don’t play music at a level that annoys your neighbors.

● Don’t leave dogs alone for long periods.

● Don’t allow children to jump on the floor and thus disturb people below.

● Don’t sound car horns, slam doors, or rev engines at night.