Aural Diversity recognises that everyone hears differently.
It deconstructs the presumption of ‘normal’ human hearing and instead embraces the full spectrum of the human auditory experience, from people with hearing loss to those with heightened sound awareness. By acknowledging these differences, aural diverse approaches seek to promote more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable sound environments for all.
Aural Diversity Infographic
The Aural Diversity Infographic captures the key principles, evidence, and insights underpinning this important reality. Developed collaboratively by members of the Aural Diversity Network, the Aural Diversity Infographic highlights the need to consider a wide range of hearing experiences in the design, regulation, implementation and management of all aspects of sound and soundscapes. The Noise Abatement Society (NAS) is a proud member of the Aural Diversity Network and participated in the co-development of the Aural Diversity Infographic (Hugill, A. (2022) ‘Aural Diversity Infographic‘. Available at http://auraldiversity.org/infographic.html).
NAS’s Continuing Role in Advancing Aural Diversity
The NAS continues to contribute to the ongoing development of aural diversity through active membership and participation in the Aural Diversity Network, as well as in Soundscape and Non-acoustic Factors International and British Standards Working Groups and Committees. Through this work, the NAS helps ensure that the principles of aural diversity are embedded in research, policy, and practice – supporting sound environments that enhance inclusivity, health, mental health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
By championing inclusive and evidence-based approaches to sound design and management, the NAS continues working at the forefront of efforts to recognise and respond to the aurally diverse ways in which people experience the world.
Further resources:
Aural Diversity (2023), book edited by John L Drever and Andrew Hugill, https://www.routledge.com/Aural-Diversity/Drever-Hugill/p/book/9781032024998
Aural Diversity Network, to subscribe and download the latest newsletter go to https://auraldiversity.org/
The Aural Diversity Toolkit, https://www.arup.com/insights/aural-diversity-toolkit/
The Noise and Soundscape Action Plan for Wales 2023-2028, https://www.gov.wales/noise-and-soundscape-plan-for-wales-2023-2028
Design for the Mind. Neurodiversity & the Built Environment – British Standard PAS 6463:2022, https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/brochures/pas-6463-design-for-the-mind-neurodiversity-and-the-built-environment/
Projects
Our programmes help teach about managing noise footprints, improve awareness on the impacts of noise pollution and educate about career opportunities in acoustics.
We achieve everything we stand for through a number of campaigns which have been listed below.
Click on one to read more...
