Regarding noise, I was rather close to several B's at Pax River and thought they were quite similar decibel wise to the F/A-18D chase aircraft on a conventional takeoff- plenty loud. On rolling STOL landings and STOL touch and goes (no hovering the days I saw them) I was surprised how quiet they were. No discernible fan noise- I was expecting some sort of fan whine I guess.
Sandi - if you listen to this video at 1:08 you will hear the lift fan engaging quite noticeably.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygVlvlvnmTU