The Noise App

Good so far, but you cannot choose between at least a few recordings to decide which is best to send. Sometimes i will cancel sending a recording only for the next recording to come out worse. Maybe the ability for the app to hold on to 10 recordings temporarily until you have decided to send one of them for your report after listening to each is reasonable?

Last night was horrendously noisy because our neighbours were partying right under our bedroom window until 3am. When I found this app it gave me hope that we could finally capture them this time. I downloaded the app and made several attempts to record the noise, but when you play it back it can barely be heard even with the sound on maximum. I did everything as instructed and even had our window open. I am very disappointed because I’ve submitted it to our Environmental Protection Team within our council, but they won’t take our complaint seriously with our poor recording as evidence. It feels like a missed opportunity because if I had recorded it with my phones camera the recording is much clearer. I reported this to the app Support Team, so I will wait for their response and the reply from our Council.

Housing Associations use this app to fob tenants off. Unfortunately, it’s not fit for all cases. A) If you have mobility issues or vulnerabilities, good luck positioning yourself and your phone to capture the noise through your wall - In my case the disturbance is coming from the upstairs neighbour through my ceiling. B) If the noise is repeated but unsustained, e.g. deliberate and rapid banging, slamming of doors, deliberate stomping etc., you’re out of luck. The app requires you to log in - then open a new case - then select your housing - then press record before you can capture any rapid noise. The noise is over before you could possibly record. You’ll have better luck with loud sustained music. C) You only have 30 seconds to record - so there’s no pressing record to prepare for incoming noise or capturing continued noise spaced further apart. D) The app logs you all the way out after a short time of inactivity. So again, no being prepared for incoming rapid loud noise. E) The decibel level isn’t sensitive enough. What disturbs me and wakes me up isn’t clearly audible on the app. The vibrations caused literally makes pictures fall from my walls - yet register as low level using this app. F) Only allowing 5 recordings isn’t enough to build a case of persistent ASB noise. While the app may be good for some cases, it’s disastrous that councils and housing associations use this app to avoid providing a professional witness or high quality recording equipment. It’s been insufficient in providing evidence of ASB behaviour that impacts me every single day and night. It’s absurd!