Australian Man Sets Record as the World’s Loudest Human

Joseph McGrail-Bateup from Canberra, Australia, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s loudest person. The 58-year-old professional air conditioner cleaner and town crier achieved this remarkable feat by shouting “now” at a staggering 122.4 decibels.

Previously, the record was held by Northern Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan, who reached 121.7 decibels with her shout of “quiet” back in 1994. These noise levels are comparable to a chainsaw, jet aircraft taking off, or an ambulance siren at close range.

McGrail-Bateup’s record attempt took place on May 2 in a Canberra radio studio, with the presence of professional acoustic engineers and witnesses. The files were later reviewed by Guinness, confirming his achievement. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. captured the moment, showcasing McGrail-Bateup’s formidable voice.

It isn’t something you can practice for. I had to save my voice for the day of the attempt,” he shared, “After seven attempts with the word ‘now’, my voice was gone for days. But the experience was fun.

McGrail-Bateup proudly declares himself as the world’s loudest man, while Annalisa Flanagan remains the loudest woman. He stumbled upon the existing record while researching records related to his town crier duties. He serves as Canberra’s official town crier, a part-time role he took on in 2017. This honorary position involves making announcements at community events and being a member of the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers.

His loud proclamation, “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez,” reached 98 decibels at a 2024 guild competition, earning him a win. This command calls for silence and attention before a proclamation by an Australian town crier.

This isn’t McGrail-Bateup’s first brush with world records. In 2019, he broke a world speed record in archery, shooting 10 arrows in 60.03 seconds. However, a 7-year-old boy later surpassed his achievement. He remains unfazed by the prospect of others surpassing his shouting record, viewing records as meant to be broken.