The most common noise complaint is about amplified sound, such as music from a stereo, hi-fi, radio, TV, sound system or game station. However, whilst these may be entertainment to you, they can be a noise nuisance to your neighbours.

Here is some simple advice to reduce the likelihood of nuisance to your neighbours:

• Keep the volume down - whether it's TV, car stereo or home stereo -  especially between late evening and the next morning.
• If you are playing music outside try to keep it to a level that cannot be heard outside your own property / garden.
• Place speakers away from the neighbours' walls, floors or ceilings. Standing them on an insulating material can reduce transmission of sound.
• When playing amplified music, consider using headphones, either the cord type or infra red which give you more freedom of movement.  Or listen to the music on a personal stereo.
• When you are not using headphones or an earpiece to listen to amplified music, make sure the bass control is set at a low level.  The 'bass beat' can be particularly irritating.
• When playing music or listening to the radio in your car, keep the volume down and / or the windows shut.
• Be considerate when using personal entertainment, for example toys, computer games.  Keep the volume down and avoid using them in the same room where someone is watching TV or listening to the radio.  Turning the volume up may disturb the neighbours.
• If you are having a party, consider inviting the neighbours.  Keep windows and doors closed and if someone complains, turn it down.