Annoyance factors for common neighborhood noise

Abstract

Neighborhood noise is treated separately from aircraft or traffic noise in most local noise ordinances. Annoyance factors for common neighborhood noise were rated by 63 subjects in Salt Lake City, Utah. Subjects were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5, the degree to which each factor contributed to total annoyance. Most frequently mentioned annoying noise sources were dogs (38.1%), followed by sirens (12.7%). The following sources were also identified at higher than 3% incidence: garbage trucks, buses, children playing, doors slamming, noisy neighbors, helicopters, and metal stairways. Highest‐rated annoyance factors were: loudness, time of occurrence, frequency of occurrence, sound quality, and interference with sleep. Relative importance of annoyance factors found in this study differ from those of previous studies, which dealt more with aircraft or traffic noise. Fear and interference with conversation and sleep are of less importance for “neighborhood” noise than aircraft and traffic noise [T. J. Schultz, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 64, 377–405 (1978)]. For neighborhood noise “meaning” the sound portrays is an important factor in certain situations. The importance of “situational factors” found here emphasizes the need for increased use of specific prohibitions in local noise ordinances.