The Annoyance and Unacceptability of Lower Level Low Frequency Noise

Abstract

In a continuing study of the annoyance due to low frequency noise, 75 subjects (21 actual complainants and 54 controls) carried out a magnitude estimation task and rated the annoyance due to lower-level low frequency noise. Previous experience with the magnitude estimation task was found to influence subsequent rating behaviour, and a threshold effect (i.e. a steepening of the psychophysical function as threshold was approached) occurred, which was accounted for by the inclusion of a threshold constant, po, in the psychophysical relationship. The results indicated that no significant difference occurred between the actual complainants and a control group when they rated annoyance in the laboratory. The annoyance growth was described by ψ = k(pA−po)0–694, 55 < OASPL (dB) < 75, 20 < FREQUENCY (Hz) < 90 (where ψ = the subjective annoyance, pA = the A-weighted sound pressure in Pa, and k = a constant). However, the complainants seemed more predisposed to complain or express dissatisfaction and were more likely to rate a given noise as unacceptable. Furthermore, they were more likely to do so for stimuli within the 30–50 Hz frequency range.