Birmingham has been crowned the UK's noisiest city, according to a recent survey. The Midlands metropolis beat Bradford and Liverpool to the top spot in a poll of more than 2,000 city dwellers. Other cities that scored high for noise pollution included Cardiff, Coventry, Leeds, and Newcastle. Derby secured the eighth position, while Nottingham and London completed the top 10.
The study was commissioned by Specsavers as part of its temporary rebrand to to highlight its hearing services. In addition to the study, the brand also filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and discovered the number of noise complaints lodged in UK cities since 2020.
The FOI data showed that received a whopping 31,000 noise complaints, while Hull and Portsmouth each logged 14,000. Leicester was not far behind with 13,900 complaints. Bradford, Liverpool, and Newcastle all recorded over 11,000 complaints, and Leeds saw 10,000.
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London, on the other hand, was the hub of noise complaints, with boroughs collectively tallying 440,000 complaints. Islington and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea each recorded over 60,000 complaints.
The impact of excessive noise in urban areas extends beyond mere annoyance, with 61% of Brits surveyed stating that their hearing has deteriorated due to city noise. Nearly a third (37%) said they struggle to follow conversations, while 24% reported feeling unable to fully engage in social situations.
Further findings from the OnePoll survey revealed that 41% of respondents experience hearing difficulties, yet a significant 46% admitted to never having considered getting their hearing checked, highlighting a concerning gap in proactive hearing care.
The survey identified traffic, noisy neighbours, construction work, and emergency sirens as the primary sources of noise pollution. Loud nightlife and aircraft noise were also common causes of frustration. Over half of the respondents stated that urban noise affects their ability to concentrate, similarly the same amount reported that it disrupts their sleep.
Specsavers hearing expert Sonam Sehemby discussed the broader social impact of persistent noise: "Living in a noisy city can be exhausting - The constant noise makes it harder to focus and follow a conversation, often leaving people feeling socially withdrawn and disconnected."
Sonam dispelled the misconception that hearing checks are only for those with severe hearing loss, urging anyone who frequently misses parts of conversations or relies on 'catching the gist' to consider a check-up. "If you're finding that you're missing parts of conversations, you'll probably also benefit from a hearing check, which can be easily done on the high street" she said.
In fact, hearing care isn't new territory for Specsavers, "despite our name, we've been hearing experts for over 20 years," Sonam added.
The study also found that 54% of city-dwellers believe their environments have become louder in the last five years. Meanwhile, 45% reported that noise disrupts their lives at least once a week, further highlighting the scale of the issue.
To promote the temporary rebrand and raise awareness, Specsavers enlisted TV personality Paul Chuckle to oversee the fitting of an oversized 'Specsandhearingsavers' shopfront logo at its Windsor location. The entertainer quipped his famous "oh dear, oh dear" catchphrase as fitters struggled to install the comically large sign.
Paul Chuckle acknowledged his own difficulties with hearing, sharing: "I've never paid much attention to my hearing so was surprised to discover I have some hearing loss. But it does explain why I've been struggling to follow conversations and saying 'what' a lot more."
Sonam reiterated the importance of addressing hearing concerns promptly: "Struggling with our hearing is far more common than many people realise. But, sadly, it's something we put off, thinking we can get by. Part of the problem is that hearing loss can happen gradually, and we don't notice the changes straight away.
"As with anything, it's important that you act. So, whether it's you or you notice the changes in your loved one, it's important to seek help."
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