Your geographical location in the country can be indicative of what sounds you hear most. The following are eight sounds all Massachusetts residents are familiar with in its history.

The high pitched screech of the T is loud enough to cause hearing loss

Riding the subway in and out of Fenway Park is an iconic Boston experience, however blocking your ears can be an involuntary reaction. Just how loud can the T be? 111.3 decibels!

The squeak of the winding green line (at 111.3 decibels, the screech of Green Line trolleys peeling out of Boylston Station in downtown Boston represents the loudest regular sound in Boston), and Oglesby's recorded stop announcements. He worked for the MBTA from 1984-2020. -boston.curbed.com

My grandfather was hard of hearing and my grandmother was 100% deaf, so learning ASL was a part of my childhood. We are conscious of our hearing in our family!

How loud is too loud?

The higher the number in decibels, the louder the noise. The louder the noise, the greater the risk of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur with regular exposure to noise levels of 110 decibels or more for periods longer than one minute. Not only can noise cause hearing loss, it can also cause tinnitus. -hearingaidknow.com

Some historic Massachusetts sounds

1. The sound of the Chickadee (MA state bird)

The black capped chickadee is the state bird of Massachusetts and Maine known for it's unique call.

2. The sound of Frank Oglesby Jr. (Voice of The "T")

Between 1984 and 2020, he was the man behind speak on the recorded announcements.

3. Red Sox PA guy Carl Beane's voice (Fenway Park)

Beane announced from 2003-2012 before he was killed in car crash in Sturbridge. He announced the historic 2004 and 2007 seasons.

4. The historic Pittsfield 4th of July Parade's loud procession

An article in the Pittsfield Sun from July 7, 1801, says that "at 12:00 o’ clock at noon a Procession was formed consisting of the Militia of the town."

The Pittsfield 4th of July Parade has an historic reputation dating back to 1824, when the procession consisted of Revolutionary War survivors, patriots, politicians and horse-drawn carriages. The parade was held off and on by various citizen groups until 1947 when it was taken over by the Pittsfield Permanent Firemen’s Association. Under the firemen, the parade grew in size and popularity.

5. The Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions of 2018

Lawrence, Andover, and N. Andover were affected by a 40 explosions and 80 individual fires caused by an over pressurized natural gas line owned by Columbia Gas.