Combined qualitative and quantitative measurements to evaluate noises from combined sources

Abstract

Previous studies on assessing combined noises have shown the rating of environmental noises from combined sources as a very complex and difficult task. Disturbance and annoyance caused by the influence of noises require in their complexity an adequate procedure of evaluation. There are different theories to explain those rating results of an overall noise situation which is almost rated lower than the most annoying single source. If sounds are synergistic, the criteria and kinds of sources have to be found which are dominant for the person who assesses the noises. In traditional laboratory studies the context is faded out by the evaluation process, while the context effects in field studies play a decisive role and the evaluation of annoyance caused by noise allows the consideration of different factors in a situation where noises are combined. In a current socio- and psychoacoustical field study the process of assessing the noises and the noises as well are precisely described in interviews and acoustical diaries. In another combined procedure of qualitative-explorative and objective-standardized measurements in a laboratory setting specific noise components causing annoyance and disturbance have been identified. The special methodical procedure and results will be presented.