An Australian town crier has earned global attention after being recognised by Guinness World Records for producing the loudest shout ever recorded by a man. Joseph McGrail-Bateup, 58, from Canberra, reached an astonishing 122.4 decibels when he shouted the word 'now' during a monitored record attempt in May. The feat was officially confirmed by Guinness last week.
The result eclipsed the previous overall benchmark of 121.7 decibels set by Northern Ireland teacher Annalisa Flanagan in 1994, when she famously yelled 'quiet.' A sound level above 120 decibels is comparable to a chainsaw, a nearby ambulance siren or a jet aircraft during take-off.
