Psychoacoustic analyses of urban noise from long-term monitoring—Findings and outlook

Abstract

Urban noise is usually assessed using sound pressure level indicators to assess harmful noise effects. However, studies have shown that human responses to environmental noise are driven by psychoacoustic properties even beyond sound pressure level indicators. Although the value of psychoacoustic parameters for an improved characterization of environmental noise appears plausible and has often been shown in laboratory studies, a systematic examination of psychoacoustic parameters over long measurement intervals is lacking. In the research project SALVE+, long-term acoustic measurements at several locations in a German city were subject to psychoacoustic analyses and the location-dependent behavior of psychoacoustic parameters over time was examined. The measurements were analyzed to determine the acoustic quality of urban sound beyond sound pressure level and noise annoyance. Based on statistical analyses, the psychoacoustic properties of urban locations considering their land use are discussed regarding an improved characterization of acoustic environments. Based on this approach, the suitability of psychoacoustic parameters for mapping of spatial and temporal patterns is investigated. The presentation aims to highlight the value of noise monitoring in cities and analyze opportunities for improved urban noise management that additionally considers issues such as restoration quality and health promotion.