Tracking Sound, As Silence Becomes Extinct

Did you hear the sounds of silence are nearly behind us? According to audio ecologist Gordon Hempton, quiet spaces world-wide are being taken over by noise. Newsweek reports that the sonic scientist believes silence in our world "is rapidly disappearing, even in the most remote places." So how many are left? Fewer than a dozen in America, and zero in Europe!

According to his book, back in 1983 he found 21 places in Washington state that were noise-free for 15 minute intervals (and where natural silence reigned for many square miles), and by 2007 that number was down to 3. Even in national parks it's rare to get more than 5 minutes of silence anymore. Hempton says that humans and planes are at the top of the blame list, and if you want to preserve silence, then you can STFU and contact members of Congress, telling them to support your right to quiet (ie: ask the FAA to re-route aircrafts around national parks).

On the other side of the sound spectrum, the Smalls Street Sounds is actually cataloging noise. Their interactive project captures what they dub "diverse and inspiring" sounds nationwide. Here in NYC you can hear a woman talking about her rash while waiting in line, or listen to one person's walk through the hall of the Met, or eavesdrop on a beer order. Yes, even the internet is getting louder by the day!

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By Jen Carlson in News on February 2, 2010 1:12 PM

Comments [rss]

Snoopy

One more interesting observation of this individual's mind set, "For my first four years, we lived in Hawaii and all my friends could fit in my pockets—they were bugs."

So let this be a warning to all future parents. STOP USING HARD DRUGS! JUST SAY NO!

Snoopy

"audio ecologist", "sonic scientist", "total fruit cake and wiped out on too many LSD tripologist Gordon Hempton" stated that sounds are not transmitted on the moon due to the vaccuum.

If "butterfly wings fluttering" is keeping this guy awake at night, might I suggest a wad of cotton shot up his ass with a 44 magnum?

Read the article. "he travels across the United States in a 1964 VW bus," come on people. Is this guy ready to be turned out to the loony bin or what?

robingee

This is wacky. It gets very quiet up in the country where my mom lives, and where we go camping.

Snoopy

Is this scientist whatever nuts? Does he equate noise with sound? Obviously he does and he hasn't done much research. I have place in the country in Pennsylvania and I can tell you at certain times of the year at night you don't hear anything. No birds, no rustling leaves, no bears pissing in the woods, NOTHING! And sound isn't noise, noise is a type of sound which people find irritating. I'd like to sneak up on this mofo at night and fire up my Stihl chainsaw right next to his ear. Then he will know what noise sounds like.

jaja007

It's all those damn birds! Can't go anywhere without all that goddamn tweeting, chirping and squawking -- unless you vacation at the Bonneville Salt Flats!

jaycjay

"Tracking Sound, As It Becomes Extinct"

If the point is that there are almost no places that are "noise-free," how can sound be becoming extinct?

Rick

I was thinking the same thing. I was hoping the last paragraph would be the title's saving grace, perhaps something about how sound in New York is somehow "becoming extinct", but alas...

It really should read "Tracking Silence..."

jaycjay

Or... what it's been changed to now.

Greenpoint60

Back in 1968 I knew a group of men in their 90’s who grew up in New York City back in the 1880’s. They all agreed that the noise level and pollution created by autos and machines was progress that they could do without.

NannyState

Would they know how silent any place is without turning up their hearing aids?

Greenpoint60

I dont have a hearing aid, I use ear plugs

imadick

old people lamenting modern society and culture? i'm shocked!

Greenpoint60

2010 and 1968 are about the same in terms of noise and pollution. The quality of food has deteriorated.

ides_of_march

Last time I heard absolute dead silence was hiking in Death Valley. It was wonderful.

Trilby16

I'm referring to cell phones, in case that wasn't obvious.

angry_pickle

What's the difference between hearing a conversation on a cell phone versus hearing a conversation between two people face-to-face? Why would one anger you and the other doesn't?

dr zippy

thank you for living up to your pseudonym.

Trilby16

I used to really enjoy how our city streets were filled with people but essentially silent, as in NO TALKING. You could be in a crowd but alone with your thoughts. Now of course people intrude on your thoughts constantly with their inane babbling. STFU!

angry_pickle

Is that your idea of utopia? Where nobody talks to anyone in public lest they get beaten? Why do you bother living in a city? Why not just move to a remote farm and have all your needs delivered by mail?