The traditional definition of noise is "unwanted or disturbing sound". Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one's quality of life. The fact that you can't see, taste or smell it may help explain why it has not received as much attention as other types of pollution, such as air pollution, or water pollution. (EPA)
Perceiving Sound or Noise?
"What is that noise?" my my two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter keeps asking whenever she hears something unfamiliar, her little pointer finger raised in curiosity. "It was too noisy," she commented after a recent circus visit, "and my daddy forgot my headphones" (referring to her earmuffs). It was her strongest impression. For her, sound is an important part of learning but also a matter of interference.
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| Sound comes in many shapes. Bliss or bane? (Photo: Philipsen) |
Auditory perception is our main gateway to communication with others via speech and music, and it also plays an important role in alerting and orienting us to new events.(NIH)
I wish more adults retained that same awareness of sound. Being somewhat sensitive to sound .... READ FULL ARTICLE
Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects