The Soundtrack of Our Youth: 10 Noises We Wish We Could Hear Again
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These sounds might evoke nostalgia for some readers or offer insight into how much the world has changed over time. From the jingle of an ice cream truck to the dial-up tone of a modem, these sounds represent a bygone era and serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come.
1. White Noise Channels
Many regaled the sound of the white noise on a TV channel that had no reception. Many channels were not within the house’s viewing range with old cable and satellite television. This distinct noise is remembered by many as static sounds or white noise.
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2. Ring of Vintage Telephones
Others reminisced about the sound of a vintage telephone ringing with a real metal bell. This type of phone is unheard of nowadays but used to be the only option.
Noting that it wasn’t until smartphones came out that we could record songs and other sounds to play through the speaker as a ringtone.
3. Dialing a Rotary Phone
Another reminded the thread of the sound of dialing an old rotary phone. They continued you had to drag the dial to each individual number.
They turn the dial whenever they find one at a yard sale, thrift shop, or new friend’s house. It immediately brings them back to their childhood home, where she would call her friends for hours on that old rotary phone.
4. Operators
The operator’s sound was a familiar sound that many recalled from their childhoods. For calls made on old phones, you could ask an operator to connect you with a specific person or business rather than dialing a number.
They joined the calls using a large board where lines were directly connected. Many missed this aid in connection, while others much prefer it now.
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5. Landline Call Quality
Landlines had a much better sound quality than any cell phone today. Someone confessed they didn’t understand why everyone was willing to suffer the poor line quality as phone development continued.
Additionally, they suggested we sacrifice the quality of our conversations for internet access, apps, and games.
6. Steam Engines
As a child, one user admitted they would wait silently as the steam engine passed by every day. He noted that this was the most powerful, unforgettable sound a child can experience.
His love for this sound gave him an interest and passion for trains that was unmatched. He went on to design many parts that succeeded the steam trains as the world of transportation developed.
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7. Movie Projector
Another recalled that in their childhood, all public movie screenings were at drive-ins or on large projectors. The projector had a distinct noise that many children today may never hear.
As kids, they were annoyed by it until the noise faded into the background when the movie truly began.
8. Static Pops From a Dusty TV
One Redditor explains how it felt, “Waving your hand over a dusty TV screen and hearing the static pops while little electricity craters appear in the dust.”
This sensation only occurred with the old TVs that had a large back. Many agreed with this comment and also remembered vividly doing this as a child.
9. Typewriter Keys
Typewriters have a very distinct sound when the keys are each used. This sound was noted by many as bringing them nostalgia for their childhood years.
Keyboards on laptops do still have a click, but nothing as satisfying as using the keys on a typewriter. They also had more resistance than keys on keyboards, so this sensation plays another role in returning memories.
10. Typewriter Bar
On a similar and final note, someone mentioned that the sound of changing lines on a typewriter is one that more people won’t experience.
After each line, you must flip the bar to move the paper up to the following line. Most typewriters made a ding, while others made a very satisfying click.
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We hope you enjoyed this Reddit reminders list of childhood sounds we don’t hear anymore. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Motherhood Life Balance.