Have you ever considered why we use the word “sound” to describe a noise we like and the word “noise” to describe a sound we detest? Think about “What’s that beautiful sound?” versus “Where is THAT noise coming from?”

Perhaps I’ve had a bit too much “thinking” time on my hands with the children back in school after the holiday break. Nevertheless, I thought I might share some of my favourite sounds with you as well as the ones that send me running for my noise earplugs!

My 10 Favourite Sounds

• A baby laughing (or any children for that matter)
• Water (brook, waterfall, rain)
• Rock concert (using my musician’s earplugs)
• “Honey, would you like me to watch the kids so you can take a relaxing bath?”
• Crickets
• Soothing tunes from my iPod using my custom fleximonitors
• Acoustic guitar
• Wind
• “Wow, my pay check was higher than expected!”
• “Thank you MUM!!”

10 Noises that Require Earplugs

• A houseful of 11-year-olds playing an obnoxious video game
• Household “projects” requiring the use of power tools and my husband cursing
• Any noise prior to 7 a.m. (besides the crickets or birds)
• The name “MUM” after the first 40 requests of the day
• The name “HONEY” after the first 10 requests of the day
• Glass breaking
• Scratching a chalkboard (I had a teacher who would do this on purpose if the class wasn’t paying attention!)
• “Mum… I have something I need to tell you….” (said while looking at their toes)
• “Honey, the lads are coming over tonight for the footie match… can you make some snacks (for my belching, drinking mates)?”
• Any dog barking who weighs less than 10 pounds (big barks are fine, yippy barks are not!)

Just some thoughts to share. What are your favourite sounds and least favourite noises? For all those that drive you bananas, consider the use of earplugs. And don’t forget to protect your hearing from damaging decibel levels so you can continue to hear your favourite sounds for the years to come!