This week a French cockerel made international headlines when his owner won a legal battle over the loud noise he makes at dawn. Maurice, the incriminating rooster in question, had angered nearby holiday homeowners who described his song as noise pollution.
In this blog, we look at how loud noise means something different to everyone and how we can combat it.
Well-loved cockerel Maurice gained a flock of international support when news of his legal troubles came to light. His owner, Corrine Fesseau, was sued by her angry neighbours who are retired holiday homeowners. They suggested Fesseau keep Maurice in a confined dark room to stop him from seeing the dawn at his home on the island of Oléron in France. However, the court rejected their complaint and the couple were ordered to pay Fesseau €1,000 to cover legal costs. A cockerel’s song being described as noise pollution might sound over-reaching to some, but it brings into light the different views of what is considered noise pollution.
What is considered noise pollution?
The Oxford Dictionary considered noise pollution as “harmful or annoying levels of noise.” With this in mind it is reasonable for Maurice’s neighbours to refer to his morning song as an “annoying level of noise.” According to News Week, a rooster’s crow is as deafening as jet engines which are around 130 decibels (dB). One recorded crow reached 143dB and noise above 140dB can cause permanent damage to your hearing. However, it is clear from Maurice’s overwhelming support that a cockerel’s cry doesn’t affect everyone negatively.
How can certain people have a different perception of noise compared to others?
There are a range of reasons as to why varying amounts of noise can affect some people and not others. They include health conditions as well having adapted to certain environments. If you suffer with tinnitus for example, this can cause differing levels of whistling or ringing even when there’s no external sound. As well as this, people with who have hyperacusis hear every day sounds much louder than what they actually are. Additionally, someone who grew up in a quiet household might be more sensitive to loud noises, whereas someone who spends most of their time around loud noise might not bat an eyelid at blaring sounds.