Well, I was wrong. Noise pollution may or may not be getting worse. You can find figures either way. But outrage about it is growing by leaps and bounds. It may come from would-be, weekend late sleepers, those who live near airports or neighbors of clubs and outdoor entertainment venues.
Airplane noise seems to be one of the larger sources of annoyance and anger.
The airlines are responding by phasing out older and nosier jets or refitting older ones to reduce noise levels. Governments are responding to pressure about airplane noise. In Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Chicago, they are soundproofing homes near airports. In Italy and Holland, many airports have banned late night takeoffs and landings to preserve the peace for sleepers. In Europe, noisier airplanes will be banned after 2001.