loud 96 taurus...help!!!

Hi. A friend of mine has a 96 taurus and it just all of a sudden got loud. The sound gets louder as the rpms rise. First thing that I thought was the alternator, I had a similar noise in my car when the bearings were going in my alternator. Its not like a squeeking belt sound or anything like that, its more of like a growling sound. But he says it doesnt run any differently, its just loud and annoying. Anyone else had a problem like this?? Does it sound like it could possibly be the alternator bearings going?

To locate mysterious sounds, I use a long screwdriver (almost 3 feet long). Hold one end to your ear, and the other to the alternator housing. I can hear you saying "yeah right", but I'm not kidding. If the alternator bearings are the problem, that screaming noise will transmit right up the screwdriver and you'll know it. If not, move the screwdriver to the water pump housing. Then the air compressor housing and the power steering pump. Get the picture? You'll learn more from this exercise than spending years in the shop. You will definitely find your noise. Caution!!!! Be careful not to get the screwdriver caught-up in the serpentine belt! Serious ear damage could result!