Noise drives me up the wall. My 4 and 5 year old are currently living next door with my mother because I can not handle the noises they do make. My boys also know not to yell around me. I get very sad when I have a headache and on of my boys ask me mom did I make your head hurt and the truth being is yes. I never tell them they did. On a good day my husband know that 12 is the magic number on the volume control in the truck. It is amazing how I can always tell if he goes any loader. I purchased a Electrolux harmony vac. I can put it on the gentle mode and barley hear it. With the highest setting it is still quieter than any other. If I am not having a ear infection or I can touch my ear I will were earplugs when leaving the house or if the boys are home.