my hedgie's wheel is a little noisy, but it doesn't ever bother me, she is in the living room and usually is up running while i sleep.
i did put her wheel in a large cat litter box that i got from wal-mart, i cut a space so that thistle could climb in and out easily, she uses the litter box more often than not, but of course... there is still poo on the wheel! but oh well, she is adorable and i love her! lol