Environmental noise is a topic that very rarely gets discussed. Reminds me of those who have impaired hearing to start with. Not much discussion there either. Most all of my life, I have been affected more than most anyone that I know by ambient or environmental noise. The sound of a newspaper folding even was teeth gritting for me at one time in my life. When I went to a concert I prayed that the mechanical systems were quiet enough along with the audience.
Once experience that was quite unusual was having to work at a home site that was VERY unusual. Some guy bought the property once owned by the local power company. To protect their equipment, a 12 foot high brick wall surrounded most of the property. There was a large steel door for access. This door was so large and heavy, there was a 'little door' cut into it. Ok, so you went from city noise to a drastically quiet environment when shutting the door. Not that I didn't realize just how noisy the city was, but the difference was really really cool. It would take that to demonstrate to the average individual what is being discussed here!
Once experience that was quite unusual was having to work at a home site that was VERY unusual. Some guy bought the property once owned by the local power company. To protect their equipment, a 12 foot high brick wall surrounded most of the property. There was a large steel door for access. This door was so large and heavy, there was a 'little door' cut into it. Ok, so you went from city noise to a drastically quiet environment when shutting the door. Not that I didn't realize just how noisy the city was, but the difference was really really cool. It would take that to demonstrate to the average individual what is being discussed here!