Noise and Health
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Sound frequency range
Which frequency range is more annoying? The many surveys don’t
give a clear answer. For some the high-
Sound dynamic properties
These are changes in sound pressure levels, either increasing
or decreasing, and can be gradual or rapid. Given the same level, fluctuations, such
as the impulsive noise from a jackhammer, are perceived to be louder and much more
annoying than gradual changes.
Types of noise
People are much more comfortable with noises generated by nature, such
as from birds, wind, water, and weather. Music and speech too is to some extent more
tolerable when it is natural rather than electronic. In contrast, the types of noise
associated with the workplace and with traffic, for example, are perceived to be
more annoying.
Time and predictability
Surveys show that the expected and/or occasional loud noise
is more tolerable than unexpected and continuous or repetitive noise. Contrary to
the popular belief that a person can grow accustomed to noise, statistics show an
increase in annoyance complaints, in particular when people are exposed to noise
they associate with danger.
Without doubt, the sound level of a noise source is by far the most important annoyance factor. Sound doubles in intensity with every ten decibel increase in the sound pressure level. In other words, 80dB is considered to be twice as loud as 70dB.
So, is an overflying aircraft with a noise level of 80dB equally annoying as the
hum of an air-