It is debatable whether noise being made in excess should be considered a crime or whether people should enjoy the freedom of making as much of it as they want. I will consider the two sides of the argument and give a concluding view.
On the one hand, those who support the idea that people should be free to make noise no matter the decibels point to the fact that self-expression is a vital component of human rights. They argue that any attempt to impede people’s use of their vehicles, make phone calls, listen to music or yell as they wish because any public authority feels they are aggressively loud would be a violation of their rights. Again, society would enjoy more and more creativity when people are permitted to make noise as they like. Based on these, there should be no limit to the amount of noise anyone can make.
By contrast, those who suggest criminalising any amount of noise calculated as being in excess argue that indeed, it is the absolute scourge of our time and I am in support of them for two reasons. First of all, excessive noise can interfere with private life and for an individual’s home, especially sleep. When sleep is inadequate, especially due to the menace of noise, full recovery for the next day’s work and productivity would be impaired. This could have negative, far-reaching personal and economic implications. What is more, not treating it as a crime is tantamount to building a society of insensitive individuals. For instance, some individuals are phonophobic where loud noises cause them overwhelming panic and anxiety. If those found culpable for unduly high levels of noise are not prosecuted, society would be failing in its role to protect the interest of those vulnerable to noise.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I strongly believe that unreasonable noise levels should be criminalised to protect people’s privacy and overall health.