Widely varying pitch is worse than a constant dull hum. A
chainsaw noise is worse because of all the "vroom vroom" accelerations
and decelerations.

By extension, the "least bad" noise is a leaf blower - a constant drone
of a single tone. It is the sound that I personally find =most=
annoying; even very far away and at a low volume it is extremely
aggravating. I much prefer noise that varies in pitch, timbre, volume,
and other qualities.

Is your statement that "...varying pitch is worse..." a personal
preference, or something that you can quantify and substantiate?

Jose
--
You can choose whom to befriend, but you cannot choose whom to love.
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