Fresh air, no sound? Singapore scientists test ‘anti-noise’ windows

Private residential buildings are seen along the East Coast Park beach in Singapore. Noise pollution is often overlooked by city authorities, but has severe health impacts including hearing loss, cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders, according to the World Health Organization. — AFP

BANGKOK: Residents in South-East Asia’s bustling cities who face the dilemma of leaving windows open for fresh air but enduring traffic sounds, could find quiet with new noise-cancelling technology developed by researchers in Singapore.

The system comprises 24 small speakers fixed to the window grille, and a microphone placed outside the window, according to a study first published in the Scientific Reports journal.