These last few years, I've noticed that I can't stand a lot of noise. In the past, I always had music on or at work I had earphones from the mp3/radio on (if it was allowed), or the TV even if I wasn't watching it. Now, I can go for hours and then realise the house is totally silent. If I do put music on for a short time, it tends to be more 'easy-going' like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole or Rod Stewart's several "American Songbook" cds but never for more than an hour. Maybe it's because my multi-tasking abilities have lessened as I've got older.