As part of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)'s Noise Action Week, I was asked four questions to give an insight into my job in acoustics...
What does an acoustics specialist do?
As an acoustic consultant at RSK Acoustics, I often work alongside developers, architects, planners and local authorities to evaluate and manage noise and vibration issues that may arise from new developments, whether it be something that generates noise or one that is sensitive to noise. This can cover a wide range of development sectors from initial concept design, through planning applications and construction to ongoing compliance and management. My working day is therefore quite varied, with no two quite the same!
In the past few weeks alone, I have worked on environmental permit applications for large-scale industrial operations, planning applications for solar farms, provided acoustic design input to an education building under construction and managed noise and vibration impacts from construction works of a large infrastructure project, to name a few.
Why does noise matter to me?
Noise exposure is a real health concern that I often see underrepresented; especially high sound levels can irreparably damage someone’s hearing, but long-term exposure to noise, even at a much lower amplitude, has been shown to result in cardiovascular disease, lower cognitive function and mental health disorders. Even being in a room that is poorly designed from an acoustic perspective can have a real impact on concentration, so it really is an all-encompassing aspect of our lives that we don’t always realise.
What are the key challenges?
Balancing many demands at once is a core challenge in my role. I often juggle multiple projects of varying types – each with tight deadlines, technical complexities, and distinct client expectations – so strong organisation is crucial. Another challenge is that, with noise being both intangible and subjective, I need to be able to communicate technical evidence in a way that is accessible to all parties.
What advice would I give to someone considering a career in acoustics?
The job requires a mix of technical expertise, sound judgement, and good people skills. Many of us started with an acoustics degree or a related discipline, and some took the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Diploma to specialise. But technical know-how alone isn’t enough: developing good communication and project management skills will be invaluable to the role. Acoustic consultants often write reports for non-specialists and collaborate with diverse teams, so being able to explain complex ideas simply and work well with others is essential.
The job also requires a mix of desk-based and on-site work; be prepared to get stuck in!
Once you’re in the field, stay curious and keep learning. Regulations, technology and best practices are constantly evolving, so continuous professional development is key.
#noiseactionweek #noisepollution #noiseawareness
