#Japan #Tokyo #Mirai Speaker #Sound Stress #Summer Noise

Summer Sound Stress: How Age and Gender Affect Our Noise Perceptions

As the summer months roll in, we often find ourselves more attuned to the cacophony of sounds that accompany the season. Whether it's the buzzing of cicadas, the whir of household appliances, or general outdoor chatter, our experiences of these sounds can differ significantly based on age and gender. A recent survey conducted by Sound Fun Co. sheds light on these differences, revealing intriguing insights into how different demographics perceive and react to summer sounds.

Survey Overview: Understanding Noise in Summer

The awareness survey, titled "Noise Awareness in Summer Living," took place from June 26 to July 3, 2025, gathering responses from 637 individuals aged 20 and older across Japan. This study employed internet research, leveraging advanced text mining technology to analyze participants' concerns about sound during the summer.

Key Findings:

1. Dominant Elements of Noise Stress: Among all respondents, the most frequently cited source of summer noise stress was "outdoor noise" at 27.4%. This included disturbances from traffic, construction, and social gatherings.
2. Generational Sensitivities: While the younger generation is particularly sensitive to the sound of insects, the discomfort significantly decreases in those aged 60 and above. For instance, only about 12-15% of seniors reported being bothered by insect noises, compared to 25% of those in their 30s and 40s.
3. Perception of Appliance Sounds: All age groups expressed a consistent awareness of appliance noises, although women tended to report higher levels of disturbance than men.
4. Calmness in Older Generations: Interestingly, 16% of the overall respondents reported having no issues with summer sounds, with a notably higher percentage (28%) found among men over 60.

Differences in Sensitivity to Sounds

When asked about their discomfort with summer sounds, participants highlighted several key disturbances:

• - Outdoor Noise: Almost 28% reported feeling stressed by noises from the outside environment.
• - Insect Sounds: The annoyance factor of insect sounds, particularly cicadas, drops sharply among older adults. Many youths experience cicadas as overwhelmingly loud, while their older counterparts may not feel the same intensity.

- Example comments: "Cicadas are loud enough that I can't hear the TV when they buzz outside." (40s female, Kanto)

• - Appliance Noise: Household appliance sounds, such as those from air conditioners and fans, were mentioned by 25.1% of respondents as a major source of irritation. This concern was particularly notable among women.

- Example comments: "I have to turn up the TV when the air conditioning is on because I can't hear anything otherwise." (60s female, Kanto)

The Impact of Weather on Daily Routine

The survey also examined how heat influences outdoor activities and viewing habits. About 75% of those surveyed noted they tend to stay inside more during hot weather, with older groups being more inclined to increase their TV watching as a result. Every age decrease coupled with rising temperature seems to correspondingly escalate outdoor activity reduction.

Innovative Solutions for Sound Stress: The Mirai Speaker

With increasing awareness of sound stress amid these findings, products like the Mirai Speaker offer innovative solutions. Designed to alleviate the typical stressors associated with summer sounds, the Mirai Speaker uses patented technology known as "Curved Sound" to deliver crisp and clear audio without significant amplification. This makes it easier to enjoy television without being overwhelmed by background noise.

Since its launch, the Mirai Speaker bagged notable accolades, selling over 400,000 units by the end of June 2025 and emerging as the top-selling model in its category according to the BCN rankings for 2024.

What Makes the Mirai Speaker Special?

• - Ease of Use: The speaker can be easily placed beside a television, enhancing the viewing experience for individuals of all ages, especially beneficial for older adults.
• - Advanced Technology: The Mirai Speaker employs a unique curved diaphragm design, allowing sound waves to travel over larger distances with clarity. This breakthrough helps those who struggle with certain frequency ranges, thereby improving overall audio experiences at home.

Conclusion

As summer approaches, understanding our perceptions of noise and its stress factors becomes increasingly crucial. The difference in how various age groups experience sound indicates a need for tailored approaches to manage everyday noise stress. By embracing innovative technologies like the Mirai Speaker, individuals and families can find solace from summer's sound pressures, ensuring they can enjoy their preferred activities in peace and comfort.

For more information about the Mirai Speaker and how it revolutionizes sound management in daily life, visit Sound Fun.