Crying babies, sloppy eaters, squeaky markers and other noises that drive our readers crazy

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We asked our readers which noise they wish they could remove from the world. Here are some of our favourite answers

Charlotte Ames-Ettridge |
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Can’t take it any more

It would have to be the sound of traffic. When I’m at school, I can always hear cars or trains passing by. The trains are the worst, because they take a full 10-15 seconds to pass. I really cannot tolerate it anymore!

Qiana Kam, Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School

Noisy neighbours

I would get rid of the noise created by renovations in my neighbour’s flat. They always decide to improve their home at the worst time. When I want to take a nap or enjoy some peace and quiet on the weekends, all I hear is the noise of hammering. It feels like they’re hammering right into my brain.

Wu Oi-lam, 16, Immaculate Heart of Mary College

Morning woes

My alarm clock ringing in the morning, because it’s the signal for me to get ready for school. I just want to stay in bed and sleep a little longer. The thought of being woken up by my alarm clock every morning for the rest of my life makes me want to scream.

Mini Wong, 16, Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College

Not another drill

The world would be a much better place if we could eliminate the noise of drilling at construction sites. Not only can this noise damage workers’ hearing if they don’t wear proper head gear, it can also be a nuisance to passers-by and local residents.

Ady Lam, 13, Island School

Such a cry-baby

I hate the sound of babies crying, especially during quiet, serious moments such as graduation ceremonies. Babies always seem to cry at the worst possible time, and their high-pitched screams just break right through the silence.

Horus Mak Ming-to, 13, Immaculate Heart of Mary College

Scribble and squeak

It would definitely be the squeaking sound of markers. When you’re sitting in a fairly quiet classroom and someone’s pen is squeaking, it can be really distracting, not to mention embarrassing if its your marker!

Lau See-hei, 11, Independent Schools Foundation Academy

Chew quietly, please

I wish I could get rid of the sound of people eating. Not only does the noise annoy me, but it also makes me feel hungry. The louder the sound is, the hungrier I feel.

Michael Kwok Pui-hin, 17, Law Ting Pong Secondary School

Mobile manners

Whenever we’re out and about in public, perhaps on the bus or at a supermarket checkout, there will always be someone speaking loudly on their mobile phone. We are forced to hear every minute detail about their lives, because they insist on sharing it with everyone around by chatting away at top volume. It’s so annoying.

Joanna Tsang, 16, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Crazy cousin

I would get rid of the sound of my cousin because she is extremely loud. When she isn’t throwing tantrums, she attempts to sing by shouting at the top of her lungs. My eardrums can’t take it.

Kayleigh Wong, 11, St Stephen’s Girls’ Primary School

Give me a break

If there was one noise in the world I could get rid of, It would definitely be that of my parents constantly telling me to do things that I don’t want to do. It is just plain annoying. Can’t I decide what to do during my own free time?

Chan Chin-hang, 12, C.C.C. Chuen Yuen College

For next week’s Top 10, tell us:

What exciting new attraction should be built in Hong Kong?

Send your answer, together with your name, age and school, to [email protected] with “Top 10: attraction” in the subject field. Our favourite answers will appear in next week’s Top 10 page!

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