[jslabovitz]

I don't have hyperacusis or tinnitus, but I am extremely sensitive to noise, especially fans, engines, pumps, and anything else that makes percussive or resonant noise. I am fortunate to live quite remotely in the countryside, with no human sounds nearby. I have a personal policy that nothing that makes continuous noise is allowed in my house. I installed all my appliances in another structure (a root cellar) a short walk from my house. It's made all the difference!

If you live in the typical American configuration of a house with a garage that is near the kitchen, consider putting your fridge/freezer out there. Sure, it's a few steps of inconvenience, but you'll find the lack of noisy appliances a true consolation. If you really need quick access to something refrigerated, put a cooler in a corner of the kitchen, and make ice with the freezer that's in the garage.

Truly silent refrigerators exist, but you won't find them at your typical home improvement box store. (Ask me why I know this!) Look into Amish appliance suppliers. Or the tiny-house folks who've found quiet, compact absorption-based fridges.

[blueridge]

Love this! Got any brand/model recommendations for quiet appliances?

[jslabovitz]

Dometic used to have small absorption fridges. (I had one in a tiny house, and it was totally silent.) Not sure if they do nowadays. (Peltier effect fridges have taken up some of the steam these days, but I'm pretty sure those have constant-running fans.) I think Dometic is still big in the sailboat community, which is another good place to investigate.

Most propane fridges are absorption style. I don't know if they're up to code for running inside a house, but they'd probably be fine on a porch or in a garage.

Check out Lehman's (https://www.lehmans.com/category/gas-refrigerators-freezers) for a lot of alternative technology.

Otherwise, google for 'propane refrigerator' or 'gas refrigerator or 'absorption refrigerator.'

If you really want to get creative, and enjoy processing food, there's lots of fridge-free ways to preserve food, depending on the climate you live in. It's also a fun area to research and experiment with.

Oh, one more thing -- chest freezers can be converted to chest fridges with a simple thermostat-switch. As most cheap chest freezers are manual-defrost style, they tend to run their compressor less, and for whatever reason, aren't as noisy as standing fridges. I personally still wouldn't want one in my main living quarters, but as they tend to be pretty cheap to buy, it might be something to try.