Loudness and annoyance of single and combined community noises

Abstract

The contribution of type and levels of community noises to the perception of loudness, noisiness, and annoyance is being explored in ongoing research projects. Particular attention has been given to the relationship between scaling method and the conclusions it is possible to draw from the data, especially with regard to observers' abilities to differentiate noises according to the above attributes. Procedures for calibrating and possibly standardizing the perceptual scales have been attempted with preliminary success. Various types of noises have been investigated: aircraft noise under different flying conditions, traffic noise, and a number of other community noises. Besides specific scaling problems, the investigations have addressed the specific problems of observers' abilities to differentiate among noises that are combined in a complex setting as well as their ability to integrate various noises into a unitary perception of loudness and annoyance. Since the experimental setups reflect real‐life situations, the answers to these latter questions are relevant to understanding the responses of the individual who is exposed to combinations of noises in his or her community.The contribution of type and levels of community noises to the perception of loudness, noisiness, and annoyance is being explored in ongoing research projects. Particular attention has been given to the relationship between scaling method and the conclusions it is possible to draw from the data, especially with regard to observers' abilities to differentiate noises according to the above attributes. Procedures for calibrating and possibly standardizing the perceptual scales have been attempted with preliminary success. Various types of noises have been investigated: aircraft noise under different flying conditions, traffic noise, and a number of other community noises. Besides specific scaling problems, the investigations have addressed the specific problems of observers' abilities to differentiate among noises that are combined in a complex setting as well as their ability to integrate various noises into a unitary perception of loudness and annoyance. Since the experimental setups reflect real‐life situ...