SOUND Reasoning

It’s not something we often think about, but the sounds in our homes form a soundscape. This is a combination of sounds that interplay with each other in an immersive environment, creating a powerful tool that helps humans relate to their surroundings. Audiologist Shevawn Becker says our acoustic environment, or soundscape at home, consists of sounds that surround us every day. “Some are pleasant and welcomed: the sound of your baby’s giggle, music that soothes, a partner whispering I love you. While other sounds are intrusive and unpleasant: a leaky tap, the neighbour’s loud music or clanging dishes in the sink,” she says.

Sound is expressed or measured in decibels (dB), explains Shevawn. “A whisper is around 30dB, a loud clap of thunder measures around 120dB, average speech sounds are around 50dB,” she says.

Shevawn says dB levels and certain types of sounds can directly impact health and wellbeing. “They can combine to form a dangerous duo, raising