Hearing outside noise while in an encolsed room

In summary, the theory is that sound is heard because of fluctuations in the air molecules surrounding us. In an enclosed room, the fluctuations in air pressure caused by vibrations in the windows and walls allow sound to travel through the walls and reach our ears. Sound can also travel through other objects and mediums, such as water and steel, at different speeds. The momentum of air molecules hitting the walls is passed on to the air molecules inside the room, allowing sound to be heard at a lower intensity. However, substances like sand and snow are better at dissipating sound than others.
  • #1
pivoxa15
2,255
1
The theory is that sound is heard because of fluctuations in the air molecules that surround us but why is that we can hear noise coming from outside when we are in an enclosed room? Is it the case that air molecules are able to travel through the walls of an ordinary room?
 
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  • #2
The fluctuation is in the air pressure. These fluctuations make the windows and other solid materials, which our homes are made of, to vibrate a little. Then these vibrations create fluctuations in the air pressure inside the room, i.e. they are making sound which we can hear.
 
  • #3
Yah, sound doesn't just travel through the air. It will hit any other object and send the vibrational energy through it and once it hits air again, it gets to spread to your ear.
 
  • #4
Pengwuino said:
Yah, sound doesn't just travel through the air. It will hit any other object and send the vibrational energy through it and once it hits air again, it gets to spread to your ear.
If you turn up your stereo moderately loud, feel something near the speaker. Or turn it up really loud and feel the walls. Yeah, they're shaking.

Also, the denser medium, the faster sound travels. The speed of sound in air, is slower than the speed of sound in water. The speed of sound in water is slower than the speed of sound in steel.
 
  • #5
So sound will make air molecules bunch up and bunch down thereby creating pressure. This oscilating pressure will eventually hit the outside wall. The wall will receive the momentum of these air molecules and pass this momentum on to the air molecules inside the room, although much less than the momentum that it received. That is why I can detect sound inside my enclosed room although at much less intensity.
 
  • #6
Exactly, because the air doesn't push very hard on the wall, the wall does not transmit the sound near as loud.
 
  • #7
Sound travels through just about anything but a vacuum. However some substances, like sand will dissapate sound pretty quickly.

If you could directly attached a solid object from your ear drum to the wall, you'd definitely would hear the sound. If it was a solid steel beam, there would be less dampening effect.

You can definitely hear sounds while submerged in water.
 
  • #8
Jeff Reid said:
However some substances, like sand will dissapate sound pretty quickly.
How did you happen to know this? Does this mean loose sand or cemented? It's hard to imagine a wall of sand that wouldn't be cemented somehow that someone could test for sound deadening properties. Would sand be better than soil at dissipating sound?
 
  • #9
Sand is good; snow is even better.
 

What causes hearing outside noise while in an enclosed room?

The most common cause of hearing outside noise while in an enclosed room is poor sound insulation. This can be due to thin walls, gaps around windows or doors, or lack of soundproofing materials. Other factors such as the type and intensity of the outside noise, the location of the room, and the sensitivity of the person’s hearing can also contribute to this issue.

Can hearing outside noise in an enclosed room be harmful?

In most cases, hearing outside noise while in an enclosed room is not harmful. However, if the noise is very loud or persistent, it can cause stress, annoyance, and difficulty concentrating. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can also lead to hearing loss and other health issues. It is important to address the issue of hearing outside noise in enclosed rooms to maintain a comfortable and safe living or working environment.

How can I reduce outside noise in an enclosed room?

There are several ways to reduce outside noise in an enclosed room. These include installing soundproofing materials such as acoustic panels, double-paned windows, and weatherstripping around doors and windows. You can also try rearranging furniture to create a buffer between the room and the source of noise. Using white noise machines or soundproof curtains can also help to block out outside noise.

Is there a way to prevent outside noise from entering an enclosed room?

Preventing outside noise from entering an enclosed room completely can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to minimize it. This includes making sure all windows and doors are properly sealed, using heavy curtains or blinds, and adding rugs or carpets to absorb sound. You can also try adding thick insulation to the walls or installing soundproofing drywall. However, it is important to note that it may not be possible to completely eliminate all outside noise in an enclosed room.

Can medical conditions contribute to hearing outside noise in an enclosed room?

Yes, certain medical conditions can contribute to hearing outside noise in an enclosed room. These include hearing loss, hyperacusis (sensitivity to noise), and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If you are experiencing persistent or severe outside noise in an enclosed room, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if a medical condition is causing or exacerbating the issue.

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