#TechPH - Let’s Turn Down the Noise: How Safe Sound Is Making Public Spaces Kinder for Everyone
Ever tried having a conversation in a jeepney during rush hour? Or sat in a clinic waiting room with the TV blaring, kids crying, and phones pinging nonstop? For most of us, it’s just another day in the Philippines. But for people with autism or heightened sound sensitivity, that kind of noise isn’t just annoying—it’s overwhelming.
I stumbled upon their Safe Sound Check website recently, and it’s surprisingly empowering. You can use it to measure the noise around you—whether you’re in a café, a bus terminal, or even at home. And if things get too loud, there’s a gentle reminder feature that lets you nudge people to lower the volume without confrontation. It’s like having a polite friend in your pocket who’s got your back when the world gets too noisy.
But Safe Sound isn’t just about tech—it’s about empathy. The site also breaks down what sound sensitivity means, especially for neurodivergent folks. It’s the kind of info that makes you pause and think, “Wow, I never realized how much noise could affect someone’s entire day.”
And here’s the exciting part: this isn’t just a niche campaign. On October 13, a bill was filed in Congress to officially declare October as Safe Sound Month. That’s a big deal. It means the conversation is growing, and more people are tuning in (okay, last sound pun—I promise).
Red Ligot, President of Philippine Neurodivergent Self Advocates, shared something that really stuck with me: “For once, it’s not just us that has to adjust all the time.” That hit hard. Because isn’t that what inclusion should be? Not asking people to shrink themselves to fit the world, but reshaping the world so everyone feels welcome.
So next time you’re in a noisy spot, take a breath. Pull up safesoundcheck.com. Maybe even share it with a friend. It’s not about silencing life—it’s about making space for comfort, kindness, and a little more consideration.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do… is simply turn the volume down.



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