Outdoor Air Conditioner: How Loud Is Too Loud?

Noise Measurements | February 7, 2026  | Ivan Koval

Many clients raise concerns about noise from a neighbour’s outdoor air-conditioning unit, heat pump, or swimming pool pump. A common question is: How loud is too loud? The answer depends on where you live. Noise From Outdoor Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps This article focuses specifically on noise from stationary sources, particularly outdoor air-conditioning units,

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Outdoor Air Conditioner: How Loud Is Too Loud?

Oversensitivity To Sound – Does It Exist?

Noise Measurements | October 27, 2025  | Ivan Koval

Occasionally, I get a client complaining about noises that others (for example, a spouse) cannot hear, or that do not bother others. The client insists that I test the noise level and devise a way of reducing it. 

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Oversensitivity To Sound – Does It Exist?

Botched Room Soundproofing

Noise Control Case Study | March 15, 2025  | Ivan Koval

A contractor contacted me to test the sound transmission loss (STC value) at his newly built high-security conference room and confirm that the room’s soundproofing meets the client’s requirements for STC 55. The test failed.

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Botched Room Soundproofing

Flushing Noise Soundproofing

Noise Control Case Study | January 26, 2025  | Ivan Koval

A condo owner called me to tell this story. She has a problem with toilet flushing noise from the apartment above her, which wake her up at night.

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Flushing Noise Soundproofing

Apple AirPods Pro 2 as a Hearing Aid

Technology News | December 11, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Apple recently announced that AirPods Pro 2 can be used as a hearing aid. Here is a list of 100 countries where this function works. Canada is not among them.

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Apple AirPods Pro 2 as a Hearing Aid

Noise Barrier – Can It Benefit you?

Soundproofing | December 7, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Designing an effective noise barrier involves understanding key principles of acoustics, materials, and environmental design principles. Here are the major factors to consider:

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Noise Barrier – Can It Benefit you?

Noise Complaints From Neighbours

Condominium Noise | September 25, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Condominium owners and tenants are becoming more aware of noise. The recently established Condominium Authority Ontario adjudicates noise disputes between residents and between residents and condo management.

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Noise Complaints From Neighbours

Acoustic Challenges Of Tall Wood Buildings

Soundproofing | September 4, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Tall wood buildings, often referred to as “mass timber” or “cross-laminated timber (CLT)” structures, present several unique acoustic challenges.

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Acoustic Challenges Of Tall Wood Buildings