The noise of power lines can be heard for up to two miles. The buzz of a chain saw is heard for up to five miles. If you live near a freeway, you know that road noise can travel from eight to ten miles. Insulation in homes protects no only against heat and cold, but against outside noise as well. Curtains, for example, in a home can soften noise.
Music can cover up less attractive noises by a substituting one sound for another.
Selective listening can provide escape from noise. When a person does something attentively, the sound seems to disappear. A train that passes on a regular schedule may hardly e noticed after its first rumbling journey. It is fortunate that people have ways to reduce the effects of noise although noise will probably not decrease. Silence will become even more rare.