How a career in acoustics shapes the sound of our world

Noise has wide‑ranging impacts on health, wellbeing, and quality of life for everyone. To mark  Noise Action Week 2026, the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) is highlighting the vital role that a career in acoustics plays in reducing harmful noise and promoting healthier sound environments. 

The fascinating science of acoustics is about improving the quality of our lives and making a positive difference to people. From enabling people to hear each other in busy places, designing loudspeakers and microphones, working on speech recognition systems, liaising with architects on the acoustics of theatres and auditoria, helping with the medical applications of ultrasonics, understanding the effects on whales and dolphins of the sound of human activity in the oceans, acoustics offers diverse ways to make your contribution count. Working in the world of sound opens up opportunities, in a career that mixes people, science, and engineering, across all aspects of daily living. 

Acoustics is all around you − in the voices of your friends and family, in the music you listen to, and in the car you drive. Professional acousticians work in a huge variety of fields, from the design of a recording studio or smart phone audio apps to environmental and workplace noise measurement and control, and from the assessment of wind farm noise to car and jet engine design. Acousticians come from all sorts of backgrounds and interests – architecture, music, environmentalists - but all share a love of problem solving and improving the sound of our world. 

Paul Shields, President‑Elect of the IOA

“Our members work across planning, design, construction, transport, health, research, and regulation, helping to protect communities from the harmful effects of noise.  

As the UK’s professional body for acoustics, noise, and vibration, the Institute of Acoustics promotes high standards of competence, ethics, and evidence‑based practice across the sector. Through accredited training, professional development, conferences, and technical guidance, the IOA supports practitioners at every stage of their careers. 

Noise Action Week is a vital opportunity to connect research, policy, and practice, and the IOA is proud to support the campaign and encourage broad engagement.” 

More from the IOA

For Noise Action Week 2026, the IOA encourages practitioners, budding acousticians, decision makers, and communities to engage with the campaign and recognise the importance of good acoustic design and effective noise management in protecting health, wellbeing, and the environment.   

• Find out more about sound noise and health by attending the Noise Action Week Launch Event on 11th May at 12pm, hosted by IOA President-elect Paul Shields and Sound Noise and Health group member Professor Charlotte Clark
• Find out more about a career in acoustics: IOA Careers Supplement 2025 (pdf)
• Find out more in the acoustic career webinar, A Day in the Life of an Acoustician, on May 12th at 12pm, with managing director of RSK Acoustics Daniel Clare

Get involved this Noise Action Week

Noise Action Week (11th-15th May) is an opportunity to highlight why noise matters for our health and wellbeing, and to push for better awareness and action.

• Explore the myth-busting guide “When is noise a nuisance?” to better understand what qualifies as a statutory nuisance (available to download from the Noise Action Week homepage)
• If you’re dealing with problems with barking dogs, Noise Action Week has dedicated guidance available to help you take the right steps
• Register for our free upcoming webinars throughout Noise Action Week and beyond
• Visit the Noise Action Week homepage for resources, guidance, and more ways to get involved!

Header image credit: © samael334 via Adobe Stock