How classical music got louder
How did classical music get louder? It started with Beethoven. Now Dr. Daniel Fink says he has to wear ear plugs at the orchestra to listen without pain.
The virus’ unintended consequence–the air is cleaner, quieter
Dr. Arline Bronzaft writes about an unintended consequence of the pandemic. A recent Atlantic article shows that stay at home have resulted in cleaner air, less noise.
How to occupy your time while self-isolating
How to occupy your time while self-isolating? You can record sound wherever you are and submit it to Cities and Memory for their project recording the sounds of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus has people howling at the moon
Coronavirus has people howling at the moon, writes Dr. Daniel Fink. And he understands why. In times such as these, coming together through sound brings comfort and unity.
(Re)learning to run without headphones
Dr. Daniel Fink points us to a delightful essay on learning to run without headphones if your smartphone dies. You just might rediscover the joy of listening to the world.
Nature’s sounds calm urban anxiety
Dr. Daniel Fink writes about Paige Tower’s interesting essay on how New York City’s noise worsened her anxiety, and how a move to a place closer to nature’s sounds helped her regain her calm.
Michigan scientists studying the natural soundscape
Michigan scientists are studying the natural soundscape. Dr. Daniel Fink says the soundscape is also an indicator of environmental health, because natural quiet is good for all living things.
Apple Watch noise app test shows accuracy within 1%
The Apple Watch noise app test shows accuracy within 1%. But you don’t have to spend $1000 to know if it’s too loud—if it sounds too loud, it is too loud!
What kind of sound should electric cars make to warn pedestrians?
Dr. Daniel Fink asks if the government can dictate that electric cars must make sound, why can’t it enforce existing laws against overly loud vehicles?
Listening to the crickets
Being able to hear speech is an important reason to protect your hearing, but being able to listen to other natural sounds is another good reason.