Loudness I just started using this, after using a rotary for years. The thing I never expected was how loud this model is. It cut fine, but again wasn't as fast as my old rotary shaver was. I really like Panasonic as a brand which is why I bought this in the first place. Maybe I'm sensitive to louder noises? I am switching back to a new rotary because the volume is just too much for me, especially when using this at side of face and along jaw line close to my ears. It's enough to give you a decent headache and I'd rather not damage my hearing. Maybe if Panasonic can figure out how to make this thing MUCH quieter I'll consider one again in the future Loudness I just started using this, after using a rotary for years. The thing I never expected was how loud this model is. It cut fine, but again wasn't as fast as my old rotary shaver was. I... » Read More Loudness I just started using this, after using a rotary for years. The thing I never expected was how loud this model is. It cut fine, but again wasn't as fast as my old rotary shaver was. I really like Panasonic as a brand which is why I bought this in the first place. Maybe I'm sensitive to louder noises? I am switching back to a new rotary because the volume is just too much for me, especially when using this at side of face and along jaw line close to my ears. It's enough to give you a decent headache and I'd rather not damage my hearing. Maybe if Panasonic can figure out how to make this thing MUCH quieter I'll consider one again in the future « Show Less
82804
Absolutely agree: my wife has a cheaper model and I started using hers (no worries she used it for her legs, not her moustache) as it does not hurt my ears. This unit is noisy. I am oogling this new Panasonic ES-LA63-S but 299..... yeesch.
82805
I agree. It's very noisy. Much more so than previous Panasonics and Braun.Also, for me it did not shave well, wet or dry. Another problem is that the shaver heads get HOT and uncomfortable, soon after you start shaving.
1276356
Its pretty loud. I use ot on dogs though, and they tolerate it fine. Also, it gets the job done so quickly it shouldnt be an issue. I would think that unless your neighbors are REALLY sensitive or right on top of you it shouldnt be an issue. It's no louder than say and electric leaf blower.
1792612
Level of hearing problem varies for each individual. I myself have more than moderate hearing loss and have used only Panasonic phones for last 20 years; so I cannot compare them with other manufacturers. But I should say that the speaker loudness works for me.
2263057
This is a question that might be very personal. I consider the sound loud, but certainly not annoying. The machine works very well, so you have to consider if another machine that is quieter will work as well. Hopefully this answered your question.
1399043
I don't remember it being loud, just a little motorized noise. You should return it and have it replaced if it's loud! Good luck!:)
1036302
Dear Anne,I have yet to find a vacuum cleaner which is quiet. I do not think that this model is any noisier than any other but, of course, you may disagree.I recommend that you do what my wife and I do: use ear plugs while vacuuming. Yes, this can be annoying, but it is better than possibly damaging your hearing. (My wife wears ear plugs when using a blow-dryer too.)Meanwhile, this vacuum cleans like a champ. Don't you agree?I hope this answer helps you.Lawrence H. Bulk
334839
I just measured with sound meter lite app on my phone and it was 87 decibals. It showed hair dryers can be up to 90 so guess it isn't as loud as others might be. I have ringing in my ears so I'm more sensitive to loud sounds. It is a great hair dryer.
461166
Yikes, sorry to hear that. I guess it's all relative. It's loud without being abrasive. I have decent hearing, so I liked that it gradually increases (over about 15-30 seconds) so I can usually turn it off before it gets too loud. I have used it in two different apartments and can always hear it, even while in the shower. But it typically doesn't seem to stir my sleeping fiancé, who is a very heavy sleeper. Hope this helps.
537500
Pretty loud...just like my old one. I got it mainly for the 'not so hot' HIGH heat. It's good in this area. I just turned it on so I could give you a good answer...it's loud. I'm still looking for one that is less forceful and less loud. The low heat is not loud at all and does a good job. With my thin hair I don't have to use the high heat very long before turning it to low heat. I do like this unit better than my old one...the regular high voltage one. Hope this helps.
1113979
I had a Remington previously to this new one and I'd say the noise is about the same. Not very loud. This is an excellent razor.
461169
Yikes, sorry to hear that. I guess it's all relative. It's loud without being abrasive. I have decent hearing, so I liked that it gradually increases (over about 15-30 seconds) so I can usually turn it off before it gets too loud. I have used it in two different apartments and can always hear it, even while in the shower. But it typically doesn't seem to stir my sleeping fianc, who is a very heavy sleeper. Hope this helps.
267504
Well... like any Dremel-type rotary tool? They are high speed tools - so - there is a certain whine that is inherent. No louder than any other rotary tool I've used.
1998828
I tried to but it was way to loud. My son is autistic and doesn't like loud noises. I bought this because the store person said it was probably the quietest they had. If your kid doesn't mind a loud buzzing noise then it should be fine. It does have a strong motor and cuts well. The attachments are easy to use. However, if you are looking for a quieter clipper for young or sound sensitive kids, look elsewhere.
685930
I have such a beard compounded with the fact that the hairs on my neck grow in several directions. The 1290 does a superb job for my face, far better than Brauns or Panasonics. The sideburn areas are a bit challenging for rotary shavers, but they are FAR superior shave on heavy, multidirectional neck hairs. There is no such thing as the perfect razor or a single best razor for every face....ignore anyone or any site that suggests otherwise.
1786336
Lewis,I read an article about Dyson and his path to designing and marketing his vacuums some time ago that said the company actually increased the noise of the machine for the American market because we perceive loudness to be equivalent to power. In other words, if it were too quiet, Americans would consider it not powerful enough. Having said that, I find the machine no more noisy nor more quiet than comparable vacuums. It's about the same as an Oreck or a Bissel, in my opinion. Hope that helps.
1786334
Lewis, I read an article about Dyson and his path to designing and marketing his vacuums some time ago that said the company actually increased the noise of the machine for the American market because we perceive loudness to be equivalent to power. In other words, if it were too quiet, Americans would consider it not powerful enough. Having said that, I find the machine no more noisy nor more quiet than comparable vacuums. It's about the same as an Oreck or a Bissel, in my opinion. Hope that helps.
287363
My Panasonic is satisfactory. Don't like the five beeps it makes when done, even after opening the door. but otherwise okay. I use it for everything. I, too, had a Sharp for many years.