Technology both helps and Harms Noise Pollution.

When radios first became mobile in the 50’s, people complained that they were loud and ruining peoples enjoyment of life. Every technological revolution has created more Noise and also more quiet.

A few years ago I bought a pair of Bose headphones. I think these have been the purchase I have enjoyed the most. I am sensitive to too much noise. They have helped me avoid headaches when things get loud. At the very least they have increased my enjoyment of music from my iPhone. It has been a pleasure to use them.

I was thinking if the world is getting quieter or noisier. I think it is both. For example, I recently had road construction where I live. Those huge machines are very noisy. It was unpleasant being here while that was occurring. I put on the Bose headphones and listened to music and I couldn’t hear a thing. I was thrilled.

Airplanes are both louder and quieter than they used to be. Cars are louder and quieter. Even though you can buy a car with lots of insulation and is quiet, there are always jerks who pump up their stereo and you hear them in traffic. It seems that every invention to make things quieter, also has an invention that invalidates that. For example Firetrucks/Ambulances are so loud that even with your stereo at maximum you can still hear them. What would be ideal is if the dashboard said an emergency vehicle was nearby and then used active sound cancelation to avoid the noise.

I like to drive, and I choose cars based partly on how quiet they are inside. My current car is the most quiet one I have had. So for me, technology both is a giver of pain and pleasure.

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