Soundproofing - outside noise

[CrumbleChops]

Just realised how long this was, sorry.

Hoping to hear from anyone who cannot hear outside noise inside their house - as I am looking to soundproof and don't know if this is possible (and don't want to sound daft with the builders).

All the people's houses I have been in / spoken to ppl about in real life can hear outdoor noise - but over the summer, I read lots of 'noisy neighbour' threads where lots of posters said that they could only hear outside noises if they have their windows/doors open.

This is my absolute dream and what I want to achieve. However, IRL I have never experienced this - is it even possible??? Not to call those posters liars!

With my windows shut, I can hear birds tweeting (obvs not in rainy Jan), car doors shutting, cars driving, dogs walking past having a bark, people in their gardens, kids playing, power tools etc. Not just quiet hum, quite loudly. Mention that can hear birds so it's not that I live on noisy road, it's definitely also a house problem.

If you don't hear this kind of noise when you're inside, what was the solution? Have you got triple glazing (or better)? Sound proofing on external walls?

I am in a small ish 1930s semi. Which I know are often notoriously bad for soundproofing. I have double glazing, but think definitely over 10 years old (before I moved in and we didn't get the guarantee cert for them), and have bifold doors across the width of the house to the garden - which I think are largely the culprit, as less wall to block out noise.

However car doors etc. are still very audible at the front. I already have draught tape round most of the windows to try and keep it warmer, so it is maybe that my windows don't fit perfectly and filling them in somehow might help?

Any suggestions?

Just to say, I am in the process of arranging someone to come regarding soundproofing the party wall (as that is much worse than outside noise) so will ask them. But just wanted to know if it was an impossible dream.

Currently listening to my neighbour in his garden using his circular saw to cut up a pallet for firewood. All my windows shut. He sounds like he's in the room with me.

TIA

I think secondary glazing (some types!) is meant to be better at noise reduction. The gap between panes is important. At least that gives you smthg to Google!

Also, soft furnishings etc will absorb sound so it doesn't bounce around the room as much, making it quieter. Carpets, rugs, curtains etc.

There are accoustic panels I keep seeing advertised on FB - wood slats with some sort of felt backing? No idea if they do what they say though!

My house is noisy too so I can relate. I am thinking of installing double glazing, a lined blind, putting fitted wardrobes along the shared wall in our bedroom and having carpet with thick underlay. Also I’m read somewhere about acoustic plasterboard (?) which I’m thinking could line my other shared wall (I’m in a terrace). I also wear earplugs at night which really helps. Following with interest!

We live on an a road and got triple glazing where one pane is thicker than the others and the gaps vary. They are like magic for sound reduction compared with the old draughty double glazing.
At the back we got normal triple glazing and they let a lot more sound in, despite being on the opposite side.

I never used to hear anything from outside until I got a hairy doorbell. Then, if someone farted three streets away, all hell broke loose.

Then I decided it would be a good idea to change jobs and have other people's hairy doorbells for day care, and to stay.

Now, I am hyper sensitive to outside noises. I suppose the carpet of dog hair deadens it slightly 🤦‍♂️