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TV, gaming and voices next door: discussing and reducing noise
A TV sounding through the wall, loud game noises or loud conversations can be difficult to ignore at home. What exactly do you hear and what small change can you test together?
Separate sound from speakers from a person’s voice. Describe one recognisable occasion and ask for a specific test without assuming intent.
The rules and services in this guide apply to England.
What sound do you hear?
Is it dialogue, bass, sudden peaks or someone shouting while gaming? Note the room and time. A headset may reduce game audio but will not stop the player’s voice carrying.
Ask if the sound is indeed coming from that device or room. The source is not always clear from your home. Use a few recognisable examples and leave room for what the other person perceives.
Why does the sound carry?
TV and voices travel through the air, while vibration can also pass through the building. Try moving the speaker and changing the bass one step at a time.
Unexpected peaks can be more difficult to plan than a fixed noise level. So don’t just name it “loud”, but also what you notice: waking up, interrupting a conversation or avoiding a room.
What can you do first yourself and together?
- Describe one sound. For example, choose the bass during movies or loud conversations after a certain moment.
- Ask for a short test. Ask your neighbour to play the same short clip at an agreed setting while you check what you can hear in your home.
- Change one thing at a time. Try volume, bass, device placement, or using a headset.
- Arrange a follow-up. Check after a few days whether the noise has improved during normal use.
A calm opening
“The past few nights I’ve been hearing the low tones of the TV in my bedroom. I had a hard time falling asleep. Could we test if less bass makes a difference? Maybe you hear it in your room very differently than I do.”
Customize the example. Seek help first when you feel insecure about contact.
What settings and tools can you try?
Lower volume or less bass
If the device has night mode or dynamic-range control, check the manual and compare the same short scene at a safe listening level. Then test bass separately. Listen from the affected room and note which change helps.
Headphones or a headset
Ask whether headphones could help during agreed quiet periods. Discuss voice level separately, particularly during online games.
Test another place
Try a safe speaker position away from the shared wall. Any supports or isolation products should suit the equipment and follow supplier advice.
No quick promise of sound insulation
Decorative foam panels do not automatically block sound between homes. Identify the source and transmission route before spending money on structural work.
Which rules and agreements are relevant?
In England, the council can assess serious or persistent noise under the statutory nuisance framework. The time, duration, frequency and local circumstances all matter. Check your tenancy or lease for any building rules.
What if it keeps coming back?
If you cannot agree a workable change, send a brief diary to your landlord, housing association or managing agent. For serious persistent disturbance, ask the council’s environmental health team what evidence it needs.
Sources and review date
Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.
GOV.UK — Complain about noise to the council
GOV.UK — How councils deal with noise nuisance
Keep the next step manageable
Use the free incident diary for a few representative observations, any agreement and improvements. If you need outside help, see Who can help. State what happened, what you have tried and what you are asking the recipient to do. You do not have to keep approaching the neighbour if contact feels unsafe.
Would you like to write to your neighbours?
On the situation page you can see the CalmNotes bundle, its contents and the other support options.