Noise Action Week 2026: Putting Noise and Health in the Spotlight

Noise Action Week returns next week (11–15 May 2026), shining a spotlight on the growing need to recognise noise not simply as an everyday nuisance, but as an important public health issue.

First launched in 1996, Noise Action Week has long been an important campaign for raising awareness of noise and its impact on people’s lives. Following its relaunch under the Institution of Environmental Sciences’ Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC), this year’s campaign brings renewed focus to the challenges of noise in modern society and the actions we can all take to reduce its harmful effects.

In the latest May/June edition of the IOA Bulletin, Ellie Savage, Policy Officer at the Institution of Environmental Sciences, explores why noise deserves far greater attention in policy and public discourse. While many people associate noise with everyday irritations such as traffic, construction or neighbour disturbances, the long-term health implications of chronic noise exposure are often less well understood. From stress and sleep disturbance to wider impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, noise pollution remains an under-recognised environmental health challenge. As Ellie highlights, this is exactly why Noise Action Week matters: reframing noise as a public health priority and ensuring it is properly considered in local and national decision-making.

The Institute of Acoustics have collaborated on the development of the new Noise Action Week Lesson Pack, working alongside the IOA STEM team to create resources for schools focused on aural diversity - helping young people understand that sound is experienced differently by different people. The lesson pack introduces important topics such as hyperacusis and tinnitus, while encouraging more inclusive approaches to design and sound environments. These resources are a valuable way for IOA members and STEM Ambassadors to engage with schools and communities, supporting education around acoustics and hearing health.

Alongside the lesson pack, a free communications toolkit and a range of other campaign resources are available to help organisations and individuals support Noise Action Week and spread awareness throughout the week. We encourage you to get involved - whether by sharing campaign messages, supporting educational activities, attending events, or helping to raise awareness of the importance of healthy sound environments.

Find the Noise Action Week Lesson Pack, communications pack and campaign resources here.

If you’re interested in supporting lessons on aural diversity or acoustics in your local school, you can also connect with the IOA STEM team at stem@ioa.org.uk.