The “acceptability” of noise depends on a number of factors including how your building was constructed, the loudness of the sound, your tolerance for noise and even the time of day. For example, some noise from your neighbours may be tolerable while you are watching television, but may be more objectionable at bedtime.

Your perception is also influenced by the sound frequency. A low-pitched sound is harder to control in a building than a high pitched sound. This is why the thumping bass sound from a neighbour’s stereo can be annoying.

If you have noisy neighbours, it might help if you get to know them, and make them aware of how their activities are affecting others. You might also want to speak with other neighbours to see if the noise is bothering anyone else, and consider adopting a joint strategy. Try discussing ways to reduce objectionable noise.

Solutions include setting the volume of stereos and other audio equipment at reasonable levels and situating the units away from walls shared with other units. Using carpeting or mats will help deaden sounds such as a footfall or dropped objects on hard floor surfaces. Heavy upholstery and draperies also absorb sound, which explains why furnished rooms are quieter and less likely to echo than empty rooms. Another simple solution is to restrict activities like vacuuming, moving heavy furniture, or making repairs and alterations to daylight hours.

Carefully caulking the joint under your baseboards can help seal gaps that allow sound to move through the floor and wall. Place air sealing gaskets (available at most hardware stores) behind electrical outlet and switch cover plates. Also, have a qualified contractor check to see if electrical switches and outlets in common walls are offset from those on the other side of the wall to eliminate a direct pathway for noise. Plumbing pipes can be inspected to ensure that they are properly isolated from solid framing.

If your building’s elevators, refuse chutes, garage door openers, air conditioning units or other mechanical devices are the problem, consult with the building’s management about the noise problem to see if those devices can be better isolated from the occupied space. Alternatively, it may be possible to restrict the hours of the day or days of the week when some of the devices can be used.

Airborne sound often comes from outside in the form of aircraft, traffic, sirens, construction, lawn cutting and voices. Air sealing around electrical outlets and switches, sealing crack and holes, and ensuring window and door gaskets are in good condition and seal well can help reduce the intrusion of outdoor noises into your apartment.

Common sense, concern and co-operation can go a long way towards improving noise control in your condominium apartment building. However, if discussions with your neighbours fail to correct the noise problem, consider consulting the building management or condo board