How the COVID-19 Pandemic Muted and Remixed the World's Acoustics for a While

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Acoustics
• Urban Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted global lockdowns and confinement measures in 2020.
• These restrictions led to widespread reductions in daily activities, commuting, and public gatherings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of the pandemic and associated lockdowns on the global sound environment.
• To review changes in soundscapes and acoustic perception during periods of reduced human activity.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and observations.
• Analysis focuses on the consequences of reduced anthropogenic noise during pandemic-related restrictions.

Main Results:

• Lockdowns caused a significant, large-scale reduction in ambient sound levels worldwide.
• Urban soundscapes experienced decreased acoustic intensity due to diminished traffic and human noise.
• Perception of soundscapes changed, with increased awareness of domestic sounds and the need for better building acoustics.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic provided a unique, large-scale experiment on the effects of reduced anthropogenic noise.
• Findings underscore the significant impact of human activity on the global sound environment.
• The study highlights the importance of acoustic quality in urban planning and building design, particularly for homes and schools.