Reviews for the book are generally positive, highlighting its innovative and interdisciplinary approach. It is considered essential reading for those in urban design, architecture, and sound studies. Reviews from the Community

These are the background sounds that may not be listened to consciously but form the foundation of our acoustic world (e.g., wind, water, or the constant hum of a city).

Some readers find the text "a bit dense at times" or slightly dated in its specific examples.

Schafer argues that modern society has become aurally "sludged" due to an overabundance of noise, leading to a diminished ability to hear nuances. He introduces several key terms to analyze our sonic environment: