(Airbus example):
Whenever the PA from the front office coincides with a "ding!" (Master Caution alert tone) or an even more attention-getting Master Warning, it always gets a few chuckles from the deadheading (positioning) or flight-crew. Even more chuckles when the one MAKING the PA hesitates mid-word to have a glance at WTF is going on.
...Of course, these are usually non-emergency, but still the operating crew is on THAT side of the door and they can see what the ding's are all about (usually!)...
YES, many of these alarms are OTT, both in the cockpit and the cabin. Heck, I get startled as a passenger when that darn seat-belt "DING!" happens! Scares the bejeezus out of me sometimes!
Mr. Airbus, TEAR DOWN THESE (loud) DINGS! (with apologies to Ronnie Reagan...)
Cheers,
Ray Darr