I had a construction site right next door for more than a year and would hear 118 dB backup beepers constantly, often two, three or four at a time. It’s maddening, stress-inducing, productivity-destroying and it causes permanent hearing damage. It also interrupts sleep, especially for shift workers: Even with my windows closed, the backup beepers would register at 70 to 80 dB, and even with earplugs I could hear them. The beepers are always louder than they need to be, echoing and carrying over long distances.<br><br>Of course we are still using these archaic and disruptive beepers in the US while the UK is proving there are better, more safe and less disruptive alternatives.