Increasing Noise [originaltext] There is a marked ten

There is a marked tendency for most developed countries to grow steadily noisier each year. / This continually increasing amount of noise is uncomfortable and,/ what is more important, can affect our health. /The noise of machines, heavy traffic and airplanes/ constitutes perhaps the most serious threat to public health./ Such noise can interfere with our ability to converse, /it can disturb our sleep, and it can quickly make us become nervous wrecks. /A loud blast or an explosion may even cause damage to our hearing./ But there is another danger -just as great. /This is the gradual damage which may be caused /if we’re continually exposed to noise over several years. /Such exposure to noise can undermine our health/ - as well as our performance and efficiency. /Fortunately, technology is progressing at a very rapid rate. /Some manufacturers are now designing new silencing mechanisms in their products,/ and planning experts are even beginning to plan cities according to sound zones.