Using Sound Level Meter Apps to Raise Noise Pollution Awareness - New York City Case Study

Media reports in the United States and the United Kingdom have reported increasingly high sound levels in restaurants and bars over the past ten years, but accurate sound measurements are lacking. The Zagat survey found noise to be the most common complaint among diners in urban metro areas while the noise exposure of venue employees potentially endangers their hearing health. While there is a plethora of literature on the dangers of loud noise, more action is needed, notably via the employment of technology and mobile apps that can collect invaluable sound level data. The first large-scale study conducted on sound levels, using the novel SoundPrint smartphone app, of more than 2250 restaurants and bars in New York City shows that the average sound level of restaurants is not conducive to conversation for patrons and a great number of venues potentially endanger the hearing health of venue employees. The analysis and dissemination of the data via the SoundPrint app and through its social media channels can help raise noise pollution awareness for policy makers, agencies and the general public to show just how pervasive noise pollution is.