Investigations of indoor noise criteria systems based on human perception and task performance
06 Oct 2006-Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (Acoustical Society of America)-Vol. 120, Iss: 4, pp 1754-1754
TL;DR: Results indicate task performance was significantly affected by perception of noise, but this relationship was not fully demonstrated by the criteria systems analyzed.
Abstract: Several noise criteria methods commonly used in architectural acoustics have been quantitatively related to noise perception and task performance under a variety of ventilation systems-induced background noise conditions. Noise criteria, balanced noise criteria, room criteria, room criteria mark II, and A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level were examined. The first phase of the project included noise conditions controlled to be non-time-varying and nontonal, with neutral, rumbly, roaring, or hissy characteristics. An intermediate study examined exposure time length and types of performance tasks used. The final phase included noise conditions containing various levels of discrete tones from 120 to 595 Hz. Under each noise, subjects completed performance tasks and perception questionnaires. Results indicate task performance was significantly affected by perception of noise, but this relationship was not fully demonstrated by the criteria systems analyzed. The five criteria were generally well suited i...
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TL;DR: Investigation of differences in task performance and perception under six non-time-varying ventilation-type background noise spectra with differing tonality showed that performance scores did not change significantly across the six noise conditions, but there were differences in subjective perception.
Abstract: This research investigated differences in task performance and perception under six non-time-varying ventilation-type background noise spectra with differing tonality. The results were related to five indoor noise criteria systems: noise criteria, balanced noise criteria, room criteria, room criteria mark II, and the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq). These criteria systems are commonly used in the U.S. building industry, but concerns exist over whether they are appropriate for all noise situations. Thirty test subjects completed three types of performance tasks (typing, reasoning, and math) and answered questions about their perception of the indoor environment under each noise condition. Results showed that performance scores did not change significantly across the six noise conditions, but there were differences in subjective perception. For example, perception trends for tonality, annoyance, and distraction changed based on the frequency and prominence of discrete tones in noise. Howev...
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