Turn volume down in movies, stores

Turn

volume down in movies, stores

In your interesting

editorial of Wednesday, April 7, you pointed out that

many American citizens are excessively passive in

conforming to invasive practices of our governing bodies.

The point is well taken. I wish to add, however, that the

same is true of most of our local citizens' reaction, or

lack of, reaction to the invasive practices of some

business organizations as well.

A case in

point is the invasive, loud sound systems in moving

picture theaters and, yes, in department stores! For some

time, the loud sound in movie houses has been a

preference of predominantly young people, who believe

that loud is wonderful. These people, unfortunately,

probably never experienced and appreciated the subtle

variations in volume that characterized the fine music of

years ago. And unfortunately, too, because of this

preference for loud music, hearing loss among the young

is becoming commonplace.

The noise

generated in some of our large department stores is not

only pernicious, but particularly annoying to me, because

it is unnecessary and inconsiderate. The recent trend in

the construction of their buildings, include very high,

metal-beamed, non-sound-absorbent ceilings, with noisy,

suspended air ducts with loudspeaker attached. (One of

their earlier stores in Fayetteville, now abandoned, had

an attractive sound absorbent ceiling.)

The

loudspeakers' sound level of announcements must be very

high to exceed that of the air ducts' air movement sound.

Announcements

about the store's products is understandable, but those

notifying their employees to answer their telephone are

unnecessary and rude. The use of "beepers"

would be as effective but less annoying to customers. Nor

do these stores make an effort to maintain a safe

announcement sound level. A baby located under a speaker

could be deafened for life, according to my ear, nose and

throat physician.

Edward

Ramey

Instructor

in physiology

The John Hopkins University, retired

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