Showing papers on "Annoyance published in 1985"

An experimental evaluation of annoyance due to low frequency noise

Abstract: Annoyance due to environmental noise from various sources constitutes an important public health problem. Extensive work has been performed to obtain a basis for dose response curves, which can later be used for regulation purposes. Using such data, limits for noise exposure have been suggested or enforced for noise from aircraft, trains and road traffic. The estimation of the noise exposure for environmental noise is usually performed using the dB(A) unit. This is based upon early experiments where equal loudness curves were constructed by exposing test subjects to mainly pure tones of various frequencies for short exposure periods (e.g. Fletcher and Munson 1933, Churcher et al1937, Robinson and Dadson 1956). Experience from practical public health work demonstrates that this concept for judging annoyance can be questioned. Complaints to Local Health Authorities are frequently raised concerning low frequency sounds, and annoyance is reported, although dB(A) levels fall well below current limits. Sources oflow frequency noise, such as heavy vehicles, ventilation installations and compressors have increased in number in urban areas. In Sweden a recent source of low frequency noise is the use of heat pumps which extract heat from the air. There has been a rapid rise in the number of heat pumps owing to their ability to reduce heating costs. The pumps and compressors used, radiate low frequency noise, usually dominated by frequencies in the range 63-125 Hz. This is not a high noise level according to current noise limits, seldom exceeding 40 dB(A) outdoors. Despite this, many heat pumps have been reported as sources of annoyance to people living in the vicinity as shown by complaints received by Local Health Authorities (Persson and Rylander 1986). To further study annoyance from low frequency noise, we have performed studies in a laboratory environment. Subjects were exposed to two different noises of the same dB(A) levelbut where one of the noises contained a higher proportion oflow frequencies. The annoyance experienced by the subjects was assessed after a 30 minute exposure.

Aircraft noise annoyance at three joint air carrier and general aviation airports

Abstract: The results of social surveys conducted near three airports that support both general aviation and scheduled air carrier operations are presented and discussed. Inferences supported by these data include: (1) The nature of noise exposure and community reaction at smaller airports may differ from that at larger airports; (2) survey techniques are capable of identifying changes in annoyance associated with numerically small changes in noise exposure; (3) changes in the prevalence of annoyance are causally produced by changes in noise exposure; and (4) changes in annoyance associated with changes in exposure vary with time.

Road traffic noise annoyance in Amsterdam.

Abstract: 3445 persons living in Amsterdam (1507 male and 1938 female), aged 41–43 years, participated in an investigation in which the relationship was studied between the (measured) road traffic noise in front of the houses in which the participants lived, and the (reported) resulting annoyance and sleep disturbance.

Aviation noise effects

Abstract: : This report summarizes the effects of aviation noise in many areas, ranging from human annoyance to impact on real estate values. It also synthesizes the findings of literature on several topics. Included in the literature were many original studies carried out under FAA and other Federal funding over the past two decades. Efforts have been made to present the critical findings and conclusions of pertinent research, providing, when possible, a 'bottom line' conclusion, criterion or perspective. Issues related to aviation noise are highlighted, and current policy is presented. Specific topic addressed include: Annoyance; Hearing and hearing loss; Noise metrics; Human response to noise; Speech interference; Sleep interference; Non-auditory health effects of noise; Effects of noise on wild and domesticated animals; Low frequency acoustical energy; Impulsive noise; Time of day weightings; Noise contours; Land use compatibility; and Real estate values. This document is designed for a variety of users, from the individual completel unfamiliar with aviation noise to experts in the field. Keywords include: Helicopters; and Environmental impact.

The harmful effects of noise in a children's ward.

Abstract: Because of concerns frequently expressed by members of staff about the annoyance caused by noise in a children's ward, noise levels were measured. These confirmed that ambient and peak levels were well in excess of levels recommended for hospital wards and were often above those recommended for average outdoor situations. The harmful effects of noise in general are discussed with regard to annoyance and the effects on hearing, performance, accident rates, social relationships and sleep. Interviews with members of ward staff confirmed a high degree of worry about noise levels and revealed that machines for ward cleaning were the most annoying noise source, followed by the crying of infants. Patients and parents probably suffer similar annoyance and distress from noise. Possible harmful effects on patients are discussed and measures to reduce noise levels in wards are suggested.

Assessment of community response to impulsive noise

Abstract: The US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory has completed community attitudinal surveys at two major Army installations The main purpose of these surveys was to better understand community response to the impulsive noise generated by large Army weapons such as tanks, artillery, or demolition The results show that an energy type of model such as the C-weighted day/night average sound level (CDNL) is the best available descriptor for community response for these types of impulsive sound Growth in annoyance to all noises increases monotonically with both sound amplitude and frequency of occurrence This descriptor should incorporate a nighttime adjustment on the order of 10 decibels (dB) The exact function for relating the percentage of a community highly annoyed to CDNL remains in question It appears that the present National Academy of Science Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics and Biomechanics (CHABA) recommendation may underestimate actual annoyance, and that the functional relation between annoyance and CDNL should be shifted by 3-4 dB However, more research on the percentage of a community highly annoyed versus CDNL and the existence and value of community rise- and decay-time constants is required to clarify this issue

Penalty for impulse noise, derived from annoyance ratings for impulse and road-traffic sounds.

Abstract: In the laboratory, four groups of 16 subjects rated the annoyance caused by three types of impulse sounds (regular and irregular gunfire noise and metal‐construction noise) and by road‐traffic sounds, all presented in background noise. The subjects were presented with the sounds for 5‐min periods. The annoyance ratings were related to the A‐weighted equivalent level (Leq) of the sounds. From these annoyance ratings a correction term or penalty was derived, which, added to the Leq of the impulse sounds, gives the level of equally annoying traffic noise. The correction was determined for conditions in which (1) only the annoyance caused by specific sources, or (2) the annoyance caused by the total sound (specific source plus background) had to be rated. In addition, the indoor Leq of the constantly present background noise was 35 or 55 dB(A) by and large, the results showed that for lower levels of the sounds an impulse‐noise correction of at least 10 dB was required, whereas for higher levels the derived c...

Contribution of tonal components to the overall loudness, annoyance and noisiness of noise: Relation between single tones and noise spectral shape

Abstract: A large scale laboratory investigation of loudness, annoyance, and noisiness produced by single-tone-noise complexes was undertaken to establish a broader data base for quanitification and prediction of perceived annoyance of sounds containing tonal components. Loudness, annoyance, and noisiness were distinguished as separate, distinct, attributes of sound. Three different spectral patterns of broadband noise with and without added tones were studied: broadband-flat, low-pass, and high-pass. Judgments were obtained by absolute magnitude estimation supplement by loudness matching. The data were examined and evaluated to determine the potential effects of (1) the overall sound pressure level (SPL) of the noise-tone complex, (2) tone SPL, (3) noise SPL, (4) tone-to-noise ratio, (5) the frequency of the added tone, (6) noise spectral shape, and (7) subjective attribute judged on absolute magnitude of annoyance. Results showed that, in contrast to noisiness, loudness and annoyance growth behavior depends on the relationship between the frequency of the added tone and the spectral shape of the noise. The close correspondence between the frequency of the added tone and the spectral shape of the noise. The close correspondence between loundness and annoyance suggests that, to better understand perceived annoyance of sound mixtures, it is necessary to relate the results to basic auditory mechanisms governing loudness and masking.

Annoyance and low frequency noise with different slopes of the frequency spectrum

Abstract: Twelve subjects matched a band noise (900–1060 Hz) to equal the annoyance of low frequency noises with three different fall-off rates (slopes) of energy above 125 Hz (−3, −6 and −9 dB I octave) at ...

Annoyance Loudness and Unacceptability of Higher Level Low Frequency Noise

Abstract: Over the last few years, it has become apparent that annoyance due to low frequency noise is more wide spread than initially believed. As part of an investigation into this type of annoyance, 20 subjects (10 males and 10 females) carried out a psychophysical magnitude estimation task and rated the annoyance and loudness of higher-level low frequency noise stimuli. Overall, no significant difference between the annoyance and loudness attributes was found, but some sex differences did occur. Males had a significantly different rate of annoyance growth when compared to females and the loudness response by males was significantly higher than for females. Unacceptability was also rated, and as expected, magnitude of annoyance, ψ, was related to the B-weighted sound pressure, Pb, by the simple power law ψ = Kpb0.616 (90 < OASPL (dB) < 105, 20 < FREQUENCY (Hz) < 90) where K is a constant.

Direct scaling of odour annoyance by population panels

Abstract: A method for the direct measurement of odour annoyance by means of population panels has been developed. A monitoring program with weekly measurements in 4 different locations has been carried out over a period of 18 months. Simultaneous immission masurements are compared with the odour annoyance. A measure for expressing the odour annoyance has been prepared and a draft for a preliminary standard for odour annoyance has been proposed.

Interrupted noise as a tinnitus masker: an annoyance study

Abstract: Tinnitus can be masked by a simultaneous and/or nonsimultaneous stimuli. The usefulness of the masker depends on its power and its perceived annoyance. The purpose of the current study was to compare annoyance produced by interrupted and continuous noises. Data were gathered from six normal-hearing subjects without tinnitus and six subjects with tinnitus. Continuous white noise and interrupted white noise (2, 4, 10, 20, and 40 pulses per second) were presented at 20, 40, and 60 dB. Subjects adjusted the interrupted noise to be as annoying as the reference signal. The general findings were: (1) interrupted noises were more annoying than the continuous noises for both groups, and (2) the perception of annoyance in both groups was very similar at the highest level and significantly different at lower levels. For normal-hearing listeners, the differences between annoyance produced by continuous and interrupted noise were independent of the pulse rate for rates slower than 10 pulses per second, gradually decreasing for the higher rates. Despite the advantages of interrupted noise, it is not suitable as a tinnitus masker since it is more annoying than continuous noise.

Annoyance from audible infrasound

Abstract: For several years it has been known that noise at low and infrasonic frequencies can cause considerable nuisances. The annoyance cannot be predicted by A‐weighted sound levels since the A‐curve nearly removes the infrasonic frequencies completely and it also seems to attenuate the low audio frequencies too much. Recent work on equal loudness and equal annoyance contours indicates that the annoyance from infrasound is closely related to the loudness sensation. The use of a weighting curve based on the loudness and annoyance curves is suggested. The ISO/DIS 7196G1 curve might be a proper choice. The applicability of this curve is demonstrated. The experiments involve pure infrasonic tones as well as one‐third octave bands. The consequence of simultaneously occurring audio frequency noise is also demonstrated.

Effects of noise on health and well‐being

Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss due to intense and long-term noise exposure is no longer disputed since the etiology is well defined. However, the influence of noise on the vegetative functions is not so clear. In addition to existing investigations on vegetative functional disturbances, the role of noise as a risk factor has to be determined and its effects have to be quantified. The significance of noise-induced sleep disturbances in relation to health and well-being, is also controversial. The hypothesized causal connection between acoustical stimulation and the occurrence of disorders, includes primary-effects (e.g. awakenings) and after-effects (e.g. changes in mood or performance). To date, it has not been feasible to determine late after-effects, such as health disorders. The most often reported sociopsychological effect of noise is general annoyance, whereby annoyance is defined as disturbance of communication, rest, recreation or concentration. Some results indicate a higher sensitivity of critical groups (e.g. old people, the sick, children, pregnant women).

Comparison of advanced turboprop and conventional jet and propeller aircraft flyover noise annoyance

Abstract: A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare the annoyance to advanced turboprop aircraft flyover noise with the annoyance to conventional turboprop and jet aircraft flyover noise. The effects of fundamental frequency and tone‐to‐broadband noise ratio on advanced turboprop annoyance were also examined. A computer synthesis system was used to generate 18 realistic, time varying simulations of propeller aircraft takeoff noise in which the harmonic content was systematically varied to represent the factorial combinations of six fundamental frequencies ranging from 67.5–292.5 Hz and three tone‐to‐broadband noise ratios of 0, 15, and 30 dB. These advanced turboprop simulations along with recordings of five conventional turboprop takeoffs and five conventional jet takeoffs were presented at D‐weighted sound pressure levels of 70, 80, and 90 dB to 32 subjects in an anechoic chamber. Analyses of the subjects' annoyance judgments compare the three categories of aircraft and examine the effects of the differenc...

Comparison of advanced turboprop and conventional jet and propeller aircraft flyover noise annoyance: Preliminary results

Abstract: A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare the flyover noise annoyance of proposed advanced turboprop aircraft with that of conventional turboprop and jet aircraft The effects of fundamental frequency and tone-to-broadband noise ratio on advanced turboprop annoyance were also examined A computer synthesis system is used to generate 18 realistic, time varying simulations of propeller aircraft takeoff noise in which the harmonic content is systematically varied to represent the factorial combinations of six fundamental frequencies ranging from 675 Hz to 2925 Hz and three tone-to-broadband noise ratios of 0, 15, and 30 dB These advanced turboprop simulations along with recordings of five conventional turboprop takeoffs and five conventional jet takeoffs are presented at D-weighted sound pressure levels of 70, 80, and 90 dB to 32 subjects in an anechoic chamber Analyses of the subjects' annoyance judgments compare the three categories of aircraft and examine the effects of the differences in harmonic content among the advanced turboprop noises The annoyance prediction ability of various noise measurement procedures and corrections is also examined

Traffic noise level - an improved index for estimating community exposure. motor vehicle and traffic noise; australian acoustical society 1985 conference, proceedings, 24 to 26 november, 1985, leura gardens, nsw

Abstract: The case for using an extended index of traffic noise exposure is founded on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Noisy vehicles have been shown to cause annoyance in excess of that accounted for by their contribution to the overall traffic noise level. This excess annoyance effect can be accommodated by using a noisy vehicle term to extend a basic index of overall noise exposure. Australian data have been used to develop and validate an extended index termed traffic noise level. The correlation with reaction improves from 0.43 for basic Leq to 0.62 for tnl. If planners and regulatory authorities are to avoid underestimating the impact of traffic noise on residential communities, then an extended index should be adopted for use in Australia. The Leq-based tnl index is recommended. The number of the covering record for the conference is IRRD 283994. (TRRL)