This refers to the distracting traffic on a shared radio net that pertains to other incidents or units. Dispatchers and field crews must mentally filter out these transmissions to listen for calls directed at them. High levels of this background noise can cause fatigue or lead to missed calls during complex operations.
Heard on the job
Turn the squelch up a bit, I'm trying to listen for Engine 4 but this botherance from the south end is giving me a headache.
Insider tip
Experienced operators develop a selective hearing that tunes out botherance while instantly snapping to attention when their own callsign is spoken.