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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