Is it me, or is everything getting really loud? Movies. Amusement parks. Restaurants. Concerts. I was on the Rockin' Rollercoaster at WDW and California Screamin' at Disneyland and the sound level was literally painful.

NO, OF COURSE NOT!!

Getting too loud??......I think we're just getting older. Notice I put myself in this group. My dad got so he could not stand to go to movies anymore because he thought they were just too loud. I thought he was just and old foggie but I'm finding I'm starting to enjoy the quiet more and more. On the right occasion, Stones concert for example, I still want it cranked though!

Eh? You are so right. It's the beer commercial mentality. One just can't possibly being having any fun unless everyone else around you is aware of it.
Yee Ha!

Then why do I keep turning up the sound? Ciao

Seems like everything is getting loud. Went to CA State Fair yesterday. Trying to hook up with DH so I had to have the cell. Kept missing his call cause I couldn't hear it over the sound of the music and carney shouting. Finally had to hold it in my hand. Still missed the call. So everything else is loud except my cell ring? But it seemed loud in the theater!! JUST KIDDING!

Actually, read a study in a magazine a couple of years ago that stated all those kinds of things Eh? mentioned are, in fact, getting louder. Concerts have doubled in decibles since the late 60s, movies tripled. So it's not just that we're getting older. (Though I'm not saying I'm not, nor that getting older isn't part of the problem! )

There is NO question that movies have gotten significantly louder over the past 10 years. And the previews are louder than the actual film.
Ever notice that TV commercials are often louder than the program? Attempt to get your attention, of course.

Interesting you should mention it. We just returned from a Celebrity cruise and found the production entertainment so loud that we couldn't sit through it. It hurt my ears and even my husband who has reduced hearing ability couldn't stand it.

Tonight at the movies watching Captain Corelli's Mandolin, we had our fingers over our ears during some of the war scenes. During the quiet ones - well you could hear the rumbling from the theatre next door.

Then, in restaurants, does anyone ever ask the patrons if they like shouting over loud music? Maybe one day peace and quiet will catch on as a new thing. By then most might be deaf anyway.

It's not that we're getting older - I think of myself as relatively young (early 30s) and I feel the same way.

Our society has lost its ability to appreciate subtlety. Louder is now better. Supersized is now better. Flashier <bling bling> is better. Sensation overload is better.

The solution is obvious.

If you think an entertainment, vacation, movie, or eating experience is too loud for your preferences; then stop going to it.

Last month I marvelled at the quiet on a foggy morning in Shennandoah Nat Park, where my footsteps were by far the loudest sound I could hear. I've also stood in Capitol Reef Nat Park at sunset where the only thing I could hear was by heartbeat.

Quiet is available if you want it; noise is available (apparently, more easily) to those who want it. Those who prefer noise are apparently more in command of the entertainment dollar right now; but, if those who prefer quiet would give their dollars to places that provide it, those places will thrive and expand.

I agree that music in restaurants, even resorts is just way too loud. We were on a Bermuda cruise last year and there was just no escaping the loud music that is piped in everywhere unless you went and sat in the library! I wanted to relax and read a book or nap on the sundeck but found it impossible with all the din. While it's true that silence can be found at a national park, I don't think those who want to stay at a resort, visit the caribbean or take a cruise or even eat at some restaurants should be subjected to the noise that seems to be everywhere. I don't consider myself old and I turn up my radio when driving in the car, but there is a time and place for loud music.
While poolside at a resort recently, I went to the manager and asked that they turn off the music by the pool so we could relax. He did. I have also asked at restaurants and most have complied. What I don't understand is who's brilliant idea is it in the first place that blasting music everywhere is a good thing. I'd love to hear from someone in the industry on the subject.

Yes I agree with you wholeheartedly. And also would like to add sports events. I went to a major league baseball game last week and the speaker system was overwhelming when it was playing beer and soda commercials.

Whaaaaat??? Couldn't hear you! Just went to a college football game on Saturday and my ears are still ringing from the blasting speakers in the end zone. Then we were foolish enough to try and find a nice brew pub for a pint, but couldn't find one that didn't have speakers blaring every few feet throughout the place.

Quieeeettttttt! Thank you.

Come on don't you all love hearing the bass thumpin in the car next too you. and being forced too hear LUDACRIS rap "MOVE B#%*Ch GET OUT THE WAY". while your trying too use your cell phone..