If you're regularly awakened by early morning traffic, dustmen or barking dogs, make use of 'white' noise - a low, constant sound that screens the din but isn't loud enough to keep you awake. Playing a radio softly may block out troublesome noise. A fan sometimes does the trick in summer, while an electric heater or humidifier is effective in winter. Or make a cassette tape of chirping crickets, running water or other soothing sounds.
For 'white' noise in your garden, install a splashing fountain.
If noise regularly disturbs your sleep, or causes vibrations or damage to your property, complain to the police. If it still continues, go to your local council and ask it to serve a noise-abatement notice. Or ask the Environmental Health officer from your local authority to investigate the sound and advise you on the action you can take.
You can also ask the local magistrate's court to issue a summons against the offender. Gather evidence from neighbours and visitors who have been bothered by the noise, and any proof that it has affected your health - you may have had to ask your doctor for sleeping pills, for example.
If you work in a place where you must shout to be heard 3ft/1m away, the noise around you may be causing permanent hearing loss. Wear ear defenders or earplugs.
Don't listen to headphones or speakers at over 100 decibels, which is about the loudness of a car horn.
