The British Society for Audiology(BSA) are consulting on practice guidance for acoustic considerations in audiology clinics.  BSA state that acoustic considerations apply to all types of measurement conducted in audiology clinics and recognises that some elements of acoustics may appear technical to practicing clinicians. However it is important that these effects are taken into account and that the guidelines should be pragmatic and accessible, so its principles can be applied in clinic.

In the UK 3 billion litres of water are lost each day through leaky pipes. The traditional way of looking for leaks on metal pipes is by listening for them. Water leaks can be heard – and the sound of leaking metal pipes can travel long distances along the pipe. Hydrophones (underwater microphones) are used to pick up these signals along water networks like fire hydrants, allowing the location of leaks to be estimated. This method has proved effective.

As part of London Plan Guidance, the mayor’s office have published a new Housing Design Standard for London which acknowledges the importance of protecting residents from noise. The guidance states that attention should be given to layout of homes, as well as soundproofing.

The Natural History Museum are running a citizen science project - Nature Overheard - to help find out how noise pollution affects insects and the ecosystems they support.  Insects are vital for many habitats, but they may struggle to communicate in noisy environments.