For years, diners have complained about the loud noise levels in restaurants, but the issue goes beyond being annoyed. Excessive noise negatively affects our physical and mental health, impacting our well-being and dining experience.
Why It Matters
Acoustics experts like Lily Wang at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, stress the point that noisy restaurants are more than just an annoyance.
- Excessive noise disrupts brain function, making it difficult to filter out unwanted sounds and focus on conversations.
- Prolonged noise exposure triggers negative stress, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and hearing loss.
See our post on how to cope with loud restaurants — and find quiet ones.
The Backstory
Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema has been measuring and publishing decibel levels in his reviews since 2008. In 70% of the restaurant reviews, he warns diners that they will need to raise their voices to be heard.
“If you’ve ever wondered how loud a jet engine sounds at takeoff, I can give you an approximation.”
Sietsema is not exaggerating...
“This is the loudest restaurant I’ve ever reviewed in D.C. Here, it was 100 decibels at the bar during happy hour, and not much better in the center of the dining room.”
For context: At 85 decibels, OSHA requires employers to provide hearing protection.
A closer look
What contributes to restaurant noise?
- Design trends favor hard surfaces like concrete, metal, and glass that reflect sound. Open kitchens also introduce cooking clatter into dining areas.
- Sound-reflecting materials amplify noise, bouncing sound around the restaurant space.
- Crowded table placement concentrates noise.
- Operations: Loud music, noisy dish stations, and staff chatter add to the din.
The problem
Restaurants aim for an inviting atmosphere, but traditional sound-damping materials lack decorative appeal, evoking an office vibe.
The solution
Clever sound-absorbing materials and techniques to the rescue.
- Materials: Micro-perforated panels, acoustic plaster, ceiling "clouds" that absorb and redirect sound, and even stylish ceiling tiles can significantly dampen noise.
- Location: Smart table placement avoids concentrating noise.
- Behavior: Training staff to avoid loud chatter near diners.
The takeaway
With clever acoustic and aesthetic planning, restaurant owners can create a more pleasant, healthy dining environment. Still, diners need to voice their preference for quieter establishments.
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