Quietting

Quietting is the practice of reducing audible noise in a space, device, or system to produce a quieter overall sound environment. The term is used in acoustics, engineering, and environmental design to describe techniques and goals aimed at lowering levels of unwanted sound while preserving function and safety.

Quietting employs passive and active methods. Passive measures physically attenuate sound, including acoustic panels, insulating barriers, vibration isolation, dampers, and enclosures. Active measures use electronic systems to cancel noise, such as active noise control and adaptive filters. Operational strategies reduce noise through scheduling, load management, speed control, and regular maintenance.

Applications span buildings, transportation, manufacturing, and consumer products. In architecture and urban planning, quietting informs building layouts and material choices. In transportation, it drives quieter engines, mufflers, wheel and track treatments, and cabin isolation. In industry, it supports worker safety and compliance in noisy environments; in electronics and appliances, it reduces fan noise and motor hum.

Effectiveness is evaluated using sound level measurements, typically in decibels with A-weighting (dB(A)), and sometimes by perceived loudness or speech intelligibility. Standards and guidelines from national and international bodies guide testing and acceptable noise levels, though criteria vary by context.

The word quietting is a relatively recent addition to technical vocabulary, reflecting a shift toward explicit targets for noise reduction rather than generic “silencing.” It is used most often in industry reports and design briefs rather than as a formal discipline.

See also: acoustics, noise reduction, soundproofing, vibration control, active noise control.