Top 25 most annoying sounds - and one thing sends Brits' stress levels soaring

The incessant banging from neighbours and the constant yapping of dogs are among the infuriating sounds that send our stress levels through the roof.

New research has shed light on the noises that really get under our skin. Alongside the maddening hammering from next door and whining canines, drilling, loud chewing and buzzing flies also make the list.

A staggering 87% of us simply cannot bear certain sounds - causing our heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week. Nearly half (48%) concur that aspects of modern life now just seem too loud and overwhelming, reports the Daily Star.

Hammering and banging top the chart, with 46% of the 2,000 Brits surveyed naming it as their primary annoyance alongside the yap of a small dog (46%), and the sound of drilling emanating from next door (45%).

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Other vexing noises testing the nation's patience include noisy chewing (42%), snoring partners (30%), revving engines (19%), slurping tea or coffee (19%), car horns (17%), and high-pitched children's toys (15%).

The study from eco-tech brand Hive revealed that building and renovation noises feature prominently in the list with the screech of an angle grinder being a nuisance to 29% of us, followed by roadworks outside (22%), dripping taps (19%), and squeaky hinges (18%).

One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them up the wall, while over a quarter (26%) detest speakerphone conversations in public.

An overwhelming 85% of Brits find solace in certain sounds that help them unwind, such as the chirping of birds (42%), the pitter-patter of rain on a tent (38%), the soothing symphony of waves lapping at the shore (37%) and the tranquil sound of a waterfall (36%).

Professor Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology shed light on how noise isn't just a mere annoyance but can escalate stress, disrupt concentration, and impair sleep, noting, "Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep."

Relationships can sometimes bear the brunt of noise disruptions, with Ward adding, "In some cases, they can also strain relationships." He continued by explaining, "However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others."

Ward also pointed out the positive side of acoustics: "Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions." Commenting on the everyday cacophony that irks many, Susan Wells, director of EV and solar at Hive, remarked, "Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction."

To highlight the launch of Hive's calming audio track 'Green Noise', featuring the soothing sounds of a heat pump's gentle hum, an electric vehicle's purr, and the soft clicking of a smart thermostat, research delved into the UK's most aggravating noises.

Revealing the UK's top list of the least endearing noises, hammering or banging from neighbours and the incessant yap of a small dog both take the lead with a 46% thumbs down, closely followed by the grating sound of drilling from another property at 45% and the loud munching of food reaching 42%.

Other irritants include an intrusive fly buzzing at 38%, the jolting noise of a car alarm at night resonating with 37%, and public phone speakers blaring music or videos annoying 31% of those surveyed.

The nightly symphony of a partner's snoring irks 30%, while the harsh screech of an angle grinder takes 29%.

Someone chatting on a mobile in public via speakerphone – 26%.

Folk yelling in the street – 23%.

A knife or fork scraping a plate – 22%.

A neighbour blasting music loudly – 22%.

Roadworks outside your home – 22%.

Someone slamming a door – 21%.

Someone breathing heavily – 19%.

Motorbikes or cars revving their engines – 19%.

A dripping tap – 19%.

Someone with a cold constantly sniffing – 19%.

A person slurping their tea/coffee – 19%.

A squeaky hinge on a door – 18%.

The slurping sound from a straw when someone gets to the bottom of their drink – 18%.

Car horns – 17%.

An irritating laugh – 17%.

Someone sneezing in an exaggerated manner – 17%.