At Sound Directions, we talk about how sound impacts our work lives – such as in offices or meeting rooms. But we’re no less interested in everyday spaces like restaurants, where noise can significantly impact the experience. That’s why a story caught our eye about a recent petition to make decibel levels in New York City eateries public.
Howard Davis, an 87-year-old retired attorney from the Upper East Side, has had enough of shouting over his dinner. Frustrated by the rising noise levels in restaurants, he’s taken action, petitioning for eateries to post their decibel levels to help diners make informed choices.
“It’s practically impossible to go to a restaurant where the noise isn’t overwhelming,” says Davis, who dines out up to four nights a week. “Good food and bad conversation is a lousy meal.”
Making Decibel Levels Public
According to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sustained exposure to noise above 70 decibels can lead to permanent hearing damage. And with restaurants in New York City being notoriously loud, with some reaching noise levels of 90 decibels – this is the equivalent to a motorcycle roaring past your ear.
Davis argues that making decibel levels public isn’t about silencing restaurants but about transparency. “If someone wants to go to a loud restaurant, that’s their call. If the owner wants to keep a loud restaurant, that’s their call. We’re not asking anyone to change anything,” he explains.
Davis’ campaign isn’t the only effort to address the issue. Apps like SoundPrint, dubbed the “Yelp for noise,” have taken matters into their own hands, tracking decibel levels at thousands of NYC restaurants. Their data reveals that 63% of these establishments are too loud for conversation.
Yet, the problem persists. As Davis points out, “I’ve never met anyone who goes into a restaurant and asks the manager to make it louder.”
How Sound Shapes Our Experiences
Whether it’s in a workspace, a classroom, or your favorite bistro – excessive noise doesn’t just make conversation difficult. It creates fatigue and can even discourage customers from returning.
That’s why this discussion around NYC’s restaurant noise isn’t just a niche issue – it mirrors the experiences of people from all walks of life and all over the world. Whether or not Davis’ petition succeeds, the growing interest and awareness highlights a simple truth: a better understanding of sound and noise can lead to better experiences for everyone.
What do you think? Should restaurants disclose their decibel levels? Join us on LinkedIn for more geeky conversations about all things sound.