The adverse impact of noise to health and wellbeing is not hyperbole, on the contrary, according to the European Policy on environmental noise: “The external costs of noise in the EU amounts to at least 0.35 per cent of its GDP, but much higher values may be found as new findings become available. In general it is considered among the most relevant environment and health problems, just behind the impact of air quality, but potentially becoming more relevant, if no action will be taken.”

Complaints about noise are increasing from day to day. Those with an agenda claim that noise is intrinsic to our way of life.

There is nothing wrong in letting your hair down from time to time, but be careful not to bump into your neighbour.

The truth is that most people are well behaved and attentive to the needs of others, although even saints do succumb to temptation on occasions.

Therefore, how to live in a reasonably quiet environment? Give the neighbours the right to the quiet enjoyment of their property at all times. Get information on why unwanted sound is a hazard to health and wellbeing, and share it. Get in touch with our association for assistance: www.nasomalta.org.

Let your neighbour know if he is causing a nuisance; do not go to war, perhaps he is unaware of the problem. Therefore choose the right moment and a conciliatory but firm approach. It is a fact that amicable solutions last much longer.

The noise management system is ineffective. This state of affairs is due to poor and fragmented management of antiquated regulations. Maybe the government is wary about creating too much noise in bringing about a just solution to this issue.