Patrick Murray, an acoustics consultant, has seen his profession transformed by the rapid development of data centers, Bloomberg reports.
While acousticians once more commonly worked on completed projects, such as addressing noise complaints or designing sound-dampening features, they are now being hired earlier to survey ambient sound levels, help developers navigate regulations and address community opposition.
Data centers are inherently noisy because they rely on around-the-clock cooling systems, diesel generators, and other industrial equipment. In Southaven, Mississippi, residents sued xAI over a data center, describing the noise as “persistent and intrusive,” including high-pitched squealing, engine roaring, low-frequency rumbling and humming. The case reflects growing tensions between expanding AI infrastructure and its effects on nearby communities.
Some residents and community groups question whether developer-funded acoustics studies accurately reflect existing noise levels, while some acousticians defend their work as objective and science-based. Murray acknowledges that data centers have become “excessively” politicized but argues that it does not benefit communities or developers to skew or inaccurately interpret noise data.
