Cross-modal effects of noise and thermal conditions on indoor environmental perceptions

Abstract

Realistic thermal conditions with various humidity levels have been considered to examine cross-modal effects of noise and thermal conditions on indoor environmental perceptions. Subjective assessments of temperature, humidity and acoustics were conducted with 26 subjects under combined environments of seven thermal conditions (18°C: RH 30, 60%, 24°C: RH 27, 43, 65%, 30°C: RH 30, 60%), two noise types (fan and babble noises) and five noise levels (45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 dBA). Three-minute moderate noise exposure did not affect temperature or humidity sensations. However, temperature and humidity levels affected loudness, annoyance, and acoustic preferences. Men were more sensitive to hot sensations than women, and women were more sensitive to arid sensations than men. Women were more sensitive to noise levels than men. Gender differences were also found in terms of different types of noise. Men were found to be significantly less sensitive to fan noise than women. Even though psychoacoustic parameters were affected by indoor thermal conditions; thermal parameters were not affected by short-term moderate noise. The combined effect of various types of noise and temperature is still unclear, and this will be considered in a future larger cohort study.