There is a short in the light in Holden's office, so it makes a soft but constant, high-pitched sound. Maintenance workers have
not been able to fix the problem. When Travis walks into Holden's office, he says, "How can you stand that awful noise?" Holden spends a moment listening, and then says, "I don't even hear it anymore." Holden has been exposed to the sound so long that he has experienced.
Explanation: Sensory adaptation is the reduction or partial elimination of sensitivity after prolonged or continuous exposure to a particular stimulus. This includes sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch and propioception (sense of self orientation).
Holden's sense of hearing has adapted to the high pitched sound due to exposure over a long period ot time. Sensory adaptation is important as it alerts our other senses to perceive changes around us. This has allowed Holden to be able to perform his duties as he barely notices the sound anymore.
