Intermediate Listening Practice

Sara: Hey, Todd. Sorry to bother you.

Todd: Oh, hey Sara. No, it's fine. What's up?

Sara: I wanted to talk to you about the music. I've noticed it's been pretty loud the last few evenings, and I wasn't sure if you realized how much comes through the wall.

Todd: Oh. Really?

Sara: Yeah, especially after about nine or so. I don't know if it's the bass or just the volume, but it sounds almost like it's in my apartment.

Todd: I had no idea. I'm really sorry. I thought these walls were thicker than that.

Sara: They're not great, unfortunately. I can sometimes hear my neighbor on the other side closing cupboards. It's just how the building is.

Todd: That makes sense. I've been working from home a lot recently and I play music while I work. It helps me focus. But I've been going later into the evening because I'm behind on a project, and I guess I didn't think about the time.

Sara: I totally understand that. I'm not asking you not to play music at all. During the day it's never been an issue. I barely notice it. It's really just the evenings that are tricky for me because I work early mornings. My alarm goes off at five thirty and if I haven't slept well, the whole next day is rough.

Todd: Five thirty. Yeah, that's early. What time does the noise usually bother you?

Sara: After nine is when I start winding down. By ten I'm usually trying to sleep. If you could keep it lower after nine, that would honestly make a big difference.

Todd: I can definitely do that. I've got headphones anyway, I just don't always think to put them on. I'll make it a habit after nine.

Sara: That would be perfect. Thank you. And honestly, I feel a little awkward even bringing it up. I've been going back and forth about saying something for a few days.

Todd: No, I'm glad you did. I'd rather know than have you lying there annoyed every night. That's not fair to you, and I genuinely didn't realize how much sound was getting through. Have you heard anything else? Like my phone calls or anything?

Sara: Not really. Just the music. And it's only when it's loud. Normal conversation volume doesn't seem to carry.

Todd: Good. I mean, not good that you can hear the music, but good that you haven't had to listen to my work calls. Some of those are pretty boring.

Sara: I'll take your word for it.

Todd: So, headphones after nine. I'll set a reminder on my phone so I don't forget. Would it help if I also got a rug for the living room? I've heard that helps with sound.

Sara: I've heard that too, but don't go to any trouble. The headphones are really all I need. If it's still a problem after that, I'll let you know, but I think that'll solve it.

Todd: Deal. And again, I'm sorry. I should have been more aware of it.

Sara: Don't worry about it. These things happen in apartments. I'm just glad we could talk about it without it being a whole thing.

Todd: Same. If I'm ever doing something that bothers you, just knock. I'd rather fix it than find out three months later that you've been suffering in silence.

Sara: I appreciate that. By the way. If I'm ever making noise early in the morning, let me know.

Todd: I sleep like a rock, so I doubt I'd notice. But I'll keep it in mind.

Sara: All right. Enjoy your evening.

Todd: Goodnight, Sara.