Noise Exposure Levels Research Articles

Preliminary survey on the effects of indoor noise in the hospital located close to Tan Son Nhat Airport

An awareness of the harmful effects of environmental noise on vulnerable populations is crucial for improving current guidelines for the design of welfare facilities and land use planning in developing countries. This paper aims to identify the impact of aircraft noise on patients' health in areas with a high frequency of aircraft noise. To achieve this, a preliminary investigation was conducted in September 2022 at a hospital located approximately 1 km from the southeast runway end of Tan Son Nhat Airport (TSN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The noise levels inside and outside the hospital rooms were measured throughout the day to assess the noise exposure levels. The health data of 28 nursing staff living in the hospital's inpatient ward and four patients were collected through face-to-face interviews and the heart rate variability (HRV) of two of them was measured by using portable electrocardiograph monitors attached to their bodies. As an objective evaluation of the effects of noise, HRV data was analyzed to reveal the impact of noise exposure on health. The noise exposure and health data were then analyzed using multivariate analysis. The results of the analysis provide a clear understanding of the impact of aircraft noise on patients' health in areas with a high frequency of aircraft noise.

Open-source software to calculate industrial, railway, and road traffic noise

Dutch noise legislation provides instructions and formulas to calculate noise exposure levels on a similar level to Cnossos or ISO 9613-2. The instructions are implemented in commercially available software packages. Each implementation includes a pathfinder and a sound propagation/attenuation module. Whilst the attenuation is described in detail in the legislation, the pathfinder is not and its design is left to the software company. Currently there are only proprietary, closed-source implementations available. That is going to change. Based on a previously closed-source solution, we are working towards an open-source, national implementation to calculate noise levels based on 3D model input. We implemented the updated Dutch calculation method and improved the pathfinder. For example, this now includes sloped barriers. Only the calculation core is part of this project: the development of a graphical user interface is not planned, but can be provided by others. Also, other implementations of the Dutch noise calculation directive can still co-exist next to our open-source solution, since the legislation only specifies the instructions and has no requisite for a specific implementation. In this paper we will discuss the open-source implementation, the impact on noise modelling in the Netherlands and its potential applications outside of the Netherlands.

Analysis of the short-term noise situation around Bangkok International Airport prior to the second phase of airport expansion begins

Short-term noise measurements carried out around the Bangkok International Airport during 2014-2015 provided baseline datasets of noise levels to illustrate the overview of actual aircraft noise exposure to people living underneath the flight path. The datasets will be useful for social surveys to draw the dose-response relationship curve, validation of noise prediction studies, and noise management plans around the airport before the second phase expansion. This study proposes a post-processing tool for extracting aircraft noise events due to aircraft flyovers from the measurements. The actual noise exposure levels of aircraft fly-over noise events were reported to reflect the existing noise situation around the airport and contribute to the analysis of other studies conducted during the same period.

Factors influencing the results of a social survey

Social surveys are conducted to determine how annoyed people are in a certain noise situation. The results are typically presented as exposure-response curves showing the percentage highly annoyed as a function of the noise exposure level. A re-analysis of previously conducted surveys reveal that the result is highly dependent not only on the noise level itself but also on a number of other factors like how the survey was conducted, how the annoyance questions were phrased, what kind of response scales were used, how was high annoyance defined etc. The influence of different factors will be discussed and quantified.

Effective Engineering Noise Control Strategies with the Stochastic Noise Mapping Simulation Method: A Case Study in Palm Oil Mill

Excessive sound levels pose a substantial risk to the hearing health of industrial workers. This study introduces a stochastic noise mapping technique to propose effective engineering control methods for noise mitigation in the palm oil industry. A case study conducted in a Malaysian palm oil mill employed data to predict the noise mapping and assess personal noise exposure levels of workers. Results showed that 29.6% of the area fell within the high-risk zone, with 28.1% in the extremely high-risk zone. Personal noise monitoring revealed that many workers were exposed to excessive noise, with a maximum time-weighted average sound level of 99.2 dBA among the worker groups. Despite the provision of protective equipment by management, regular usage of hearing protectors during work shifts was lacking. To reduce noise levels, two engineering control methods were proposed: erecting noise barriers around high noise emission sources and limiting the maximum sound power to 110 dBA for dynamic noise sources. Implementing these controls resulted in a 10.9% decrease in the extremely high-risk zone and a 17.8% decrease in the high-risk zone. These findings hold significance as they can guide the implementation of noise monitoring practices and engineering noise control in the industry.

The relationship between exposure to environmental noise and risk of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis

BackgroundNoise is defined as unwanted sound. It may induce negative emotions and mental health problems and may even lead to increased suicide risk. However, the impact of noise exposure on environmental diseases and disease severity is not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the association between night-time noise exposure and the prevalence of environmental diseases in South Korea. MethodsWe conducted an analysis of the Environmental Disease Database provide by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2013 to 2017. After spatially interpolating the noise data provided by the National Noise Information System (NNIS), night-time noise values in the district level were obtained by calculating the mean noise values at the administrative district level. The linear regression analyses were performed to test the association between the age-standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) and the night-time noise exposure in the district level. ResultsIn areas with high night-time noise exposure (≥55 dB), the SPR for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis were 1.0515 (95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.0508–1.0521) and 1.0202 (95 % CI:1.0201–1.0204), respectively, which were higher than those in the general population. The SPR for environmental diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, was 1.0104 (95 % CI:1.0103–1.0105). Additionally, a significant linear association was observed between the level of nocturnal noise exposure and the total hospitalization period for atopic dermatitis (β = 399.3, p < 0.01). ConclusionWe provide evidence of a significant association between night-time environmental noise and environmental diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, we observed a significant linear association between night-time noise exposure and the severity of atopic dermatitis.

Investigation of critical factors influencing the underestimation of hearing loss predicted by the ISO 1999 predicting model.

To analyze factors influencing the underestimation of noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) among manufacturing workers, providing baseline data for revising noise exposure standard. A cross-sectional study was designed with 2702 noise-exposed workers from 35 enterprises from 10 industries. Personal noise exposure level(LAeq,8h) and noise kurtosis level were determined by a noise dosimeter. Questionnaires and hearing loss tests were performed for each subject. The predicted NIPTS was calculated using the ISO 1999:2013 model for each participant, and the actual measured NIPTS was corrected for age and sex. The factors influencing the underestimation of NIPTS were investigated. The predicted NIPTS at each test frequency (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6kHz) and mean NIPTS at 2, 3, 4, and 6kHz (NIPTS2346) using the ISO 1999:2013 model were significantly lower than their corresponding measured NIPTS, respectively (P < 0.001). The ISO model significantly underestimated the NIPTS2346 by 12.36 dB HL. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that noise exposure level, exposure duration, age, and kurtosis could affect the degree of underestimation of NIPTS2346. The generalized additive model (GAM) with (penalized) spline components showed nonlinear relationships between critical factors (age, exposure duration, noise level, and kurtosis) and the underestimated NIPTS2346.The underestimated NIPTS2346 decreased with an increase in exposure duration (especially over ten years). There was no apparent trend in the underestimated NIPTS2346 with age. The underestimated NIPTS2346 decreased with the increased noise level [especially > 90 dB(A)]. The underestimated NIPTS2346 increased with an increase in noise kurtosis after adjusting for the noise exposure level and exposure duration and ultimately exhibiting a linear regression relationship. The ISO 1999 predicting model significantly underestimated the noise-induced hearing loss among manufacturing workers. The degree of underestimation became more significant at the noise exposure condition of fewer than ten years, less than 90 dB(A), and higher kurtosis levels. It is necessary to apply kurtosis to adjust the underestimation of hearing loss and consider the applying condition of noise energy metrics when using the ISO predicting model.

A Study on Assessment of Noise Levels in Various Construction Activities

Construction industry is one of the occupational hazardous workplaces. Most of the construction activities are involved with various risks, prone to occupational hazards. Noise is a physical hazard, resulting from simple headache to permanent hearing loss. Noise is not only confined to work involved but also involves surrounding activities like traffic, commercial activities of the construction sites. Each construction activity is associated with various tools, machinery, producing moderate to severe noise. Workers are exposed to repeated noise levels during worktime. The present study is to identify the machinery and tools producing high noise levels, calculating the average noise exposure levels, the dose levels pertaining to time weighted average levels during high work time. The survey, interview, observation based method adopted in collection and analysing the data .A collective number of noise levels were measured using Noise meter during the study . Ms excel sheet was used to analyse the dose levels and Time weighted average (TWA) . Construction activities exceeding the OSHA standards 85 dB, identified as noise hazard. Analysis concluded that concrete pouring activity produces a noise of 90 dB, exceeded the OSHA limit and carpentry activity just exceeds the limit. Based on survey 44.4% of the construction workers are responded as construction noise is not tolerable and 61.1% are not showing interest towards wearing of PPE.

New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision-Making Among Music Venue Attendees.

Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues. Cross-sectional online survey study. Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines. Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers. In this cohort (mean age 29 ± 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < .01), believed their hearing ability had decreased after attending music venues (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P < .01) than non-HP users. HP nonusers most frequently cited never considering HP (14.45%) and apathy about it affecting music quality (12.71%). Common sources of HP information were recommended by a friend/peer. Multivariable regression analysis accounting for demographics, medical history, and attendance characteristics found belief that HP use at music venues could protect from hearing loss (β = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49-0.78]) and HP use (β = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.47-1.98]) were significantly associated with increased subjective enjoyment while wearing HP. HP users and nonusers have significantly different perceptions of HP use and its impact. Our findings have implications for understanding motivations and barriers related to HP use and developing strategies to promote HP use at music venues.

Custom hearing protection devices: Are they better?

When hazardous noise is unavoidable, hearing protection devices (HPDs) are used to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing injuries. The question of which HPD is appropriate or “the best” is often a subject of debate. Appropriateness may be dictated by environmental factors, such as noise exposure type and level, mission requirements such as communication needs, compatibility with other personal protective equipment, or even personal preference. Regardless of the type used, properly fitting hearing protection is paramount to prevent or reduce hazardous noise entering the auditory system. Custom HPDs are designed to fit the specific anatomy of an individual and, when made and fit properly, may be appropriate for many applications and missions (e.g., band members, certain aviators). In addition to being tailor-made to each individual, custom HPDs may be designed to couple with communication devices, frequency or level-specific filters, and/or may incorporate electronics to provide capabilities such as amplification or reduction of ambient noise. Attenuation performance of custom HPDs coupled to a communication earplug (CEP) was measured and compared to traditional foam HPDs coupled to the CEP. This discussion will include custom HPD fabrication options, performance characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and finally their potential real-world application.

Acoustic safety assessment of palm oil mill workers

Mechanization of work processes in agro-based industries through the employment of improved tools and/or equipment powered by either fuel or diesel engines reduce tedium and drudgery on the workers as well as improve the overall productivity and production. However, it also leads to health threat to the workers through environmental noise pollution. This study assessed the occupational noise exposure of workers in three different palm oil mills. The noise level was measured using a noise metering device (model 1352) and noise descriptors (L10, L50, L90, Lav, LAeq, Total Sound Pressure Level (Tspl), DOSE (%) and TWA). The occupational health effects of noise exposure were deduced using a semistructured questionnaire. The noise exposure was assessed during the palm nut digestion, and nut and pulp separation job operations as the noise emanates from the diesel-powered engine, palm nut digester and nut and pulp separator. The average noise levels obtained from the palm oil mills during palm nut digestion, 99.36 (SD = 4.16) dBA and pulp separation, 98.18 (SD = 3.07) dBA, exceeded the recommended 85 dBA for an 8-hour exposure period permissible noise exposure limit standard by the NIOSH. The independent t-tests for noise level between off-working and working periods disclosed p &lt; 0.05 – significant noise exposure. The self-reported effect of the noise exposure level on the workers was interference with communication - 100%, tinnitus - 70%, ringing sensation - 76.75%, and noise stress - 73.30% of the workers. This research will inform the operators of the need for appropriate personal protective equipment usage and equip Government regulatory agencies to make appropriate regulations in order to protect oil mill workers.

Decision trees and labeling of low noise pavements as support for noise action plans

Low noise pavements (LNPs) are a market driven trend to mitigate the high road traffic noise exposure levels. Their improvement towards acoustic efficiency and durability over time is a challenge since these factors can conflict with road primary functions, such as safety. LNPs are not always the most cost-effective solution in health effects prevention. Whilst Green Public Procurement (GPP) highlighted the importance of reducing rolling noise emissions by introducing new regulations for new-layed LNPs, the fixed minimum requirements are not exhaustive. Generally, limits are set following the Close ProXimity method, which is only source oriented. This method does not consider real traffic flows and it is not aimed at evaluating citizens’ disturbance. This work presents strategy tools that could assist policymakers in choosing LNPs, when truly effective, over other mitigations. The approach includes a variety of indicators that would allow for comparing different facets of noise assessment. The proposed methodology does not require additional efforts from stakeholders because the measurements required for the estimation of the indicators must already be carried out for both verification of legal limits and GPP. The strategy tools are a decisional tree to support the evaluation of the applicability of a LNP before its approval, and an evaluation flowchart applicable after its laying to evaluate its efficiency. Finally, a first LNP labeling approach, based on the same set of indicators, is proposed. As a case study, these tools are applied to measurements performed before and after the laying of twelve LNPs part of the LIFE NEREiDE project.

Obesity-related cardiometabolic indicators modify the associations of personal noise exposure with heart rate variability: A further investigation on the Study among Obese and Normal-weight Adults (SONA)

Elucidating the associations between environmental noise and heart rate variability (HRV) would be beneficial for the prevention and control of detrimental cardiovascular changes. Obese people have been found to manifest heightened susceptibility to the adverse effects of noise on HRV. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Based on 53 normal-weight and 44 obese young adults aged 18–26 years in Beijing, China, this study aimed to investigate the role of obesity-related cardiometabolic indicators for associations between short-term environmental noise exposure and HRV in the real-world context. The participants underwent personal noise exposure and ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring using portable devices at 5-min intervals for 24 continuous hours. Obesity-related blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammatory indicators were subsequently examined. Generalized mixed-effect models were used to estimate the associations between noise exposure and HRV parameters. The C-peptide, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and leptin levels were higher in obese participants compared to normal-weight participants. We observed amplified associations between short-term noise exposure and decreases in HRV among participants with higher C-peptide, HOMA-IR, and leptin levels. For instance, a 1 dB(A) increment in 3 h-average noise exposure level preceding each measurement was associated with changes of −0.20% (95%CI: −0.45%, 0.04%) and −1.35% (95%CI: −1.85%, −0.86%) in standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals (SDNN) among participants with lower and higher C-peptide levels, respectively (P for interaction <0.05). Meanwhile, co-existing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could amplify the associations between noise and HRV among obese participants and participants with higher C-peptide, HOMA-IR, and leptin levels. The more apparent associations of short-term exposure to environmental noise with HRV and the effect modification by PM2.5 may be partially explained by the higher C-peptide, HOMA-IR, and leptin levels of obese people.

Healthcare Professionals and Noise-Generating Tools: Challenging Assumptions about Hearing Loss Risk.

Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, affecting billions of people and leading to various physical, mental, and social consequences. This paper focuses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among specific healthcare professionals, especially ear surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, who frequently use noisy instruments in their professions. While studies on these professionals' noise exposure levels are limited, certain conditions and factors could pose a risk to their hearing. Measures such as engineering and administrative controls, regular audiometric testing, and the use of hearing protection devices are crucial in preventing NIHL. Early detection and intervention are also vital to mitigate further damage. This paper proposes the results of a modified screening protocol, including questionnaires, audiometry, and additional diagnostic tests to identify and address potential hearing disorders. Specific healthcare professionals should remain aware of the risks, prioritize hearing protection, and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard their long-term auditory well-being.

Evaluation of a pavement surface renewal for urban traffic noise abatement

Road traffic noise is considered the most predominant source of outdoor noise pollution in cities, where control and abatement at the source of this phenomenon is generally more cost-effective than other measures. However, few studies have treated in depth the effectiveness of abatement measures against traffic noise in an urban environment. This paper, based on a field study in a stretch of a busy street in Madrid, an area with high levels of traffic noise exposure in accord with the Strategic Noise Map, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a pavement renewal as a traffic noise reduction measure in a big city. To this end, a monitoring method of the surface based on continuous and georeferenced measures of the surface profile and sound emissions from the tyre/pavement interaction, have been employed. The field measurements were carried out before and after surface rehabilitation with a bituminous mixture in a section with a speed limit of 50 km/h. A large number of vertical displacements of the profiles and sound signals were processed using frequency analyses to reveals the characteristics of the source of noise along the urban infrastructure, and to evaluate the noise reduction obtained with this abatement measure acting on the source of noise. The results indicate that pavement surface renewal in urban environments can be a corrective measure to mitigate traffic noise inside a city; considering only the most significant source of emissions, the number of people exposed above 55 dB(A) would be reduced by more than 80 % compared with the previous scenario before the resurfacing. In addition, the analysis of the power spectral density of the vertical profile data on the street, showed that the origin of this noise reduction could be associated to the surface characteristics of the pavements before and after its renewal.

Estimate of the Percent Reduction of the Workers Hearing Loss by Doing a Training Intervention Based on BASNEF Pattern

If we want to provide the efficient training intervention to increase the duration of using hearing protection devices (HPDs) by workers, we need a tool that can estimate the person’s hearing threshold taking into account noise exposure level, age, and work history, and compare them with audiometry to find out the percent reduction of workers hearing loss. First, the workers noise exposure level was determined according to ISO 9612, then 4000 Hz audiometry was done to find age and work history. On basis of ISO 1999 the hearing threshold was estimated and if the hearing protection device was not used continuously and correctly, the hearing protection device's actual performance was reduced adjusted with person’s audiometry. After training intervention, the estimate was done again and was compared with the adjusted audiometry. According to ISO1999 standard estimation results, the percent reduction of the workers hearing loss level was 6.48 dB in intervention group. This level remained unchanged in control group. The mean score of hearing threshold estimation (standard ISO 1999) was statistically more significant than mean score of hearing threshold (p-value < 0.001). The results show not significant change in control group due to lack of changing of noise exposure level. In regards to the results of hearing threshold estimation based on ISO1999 and comparing with workers audiometry, it can be seen that BASNEF training intervention increases the duration of using the HPDs and it could be effective in reducing hearing threshold related to noise.

Evaluation of Noise Exposure and Hearing Threshold Levels Among Call Centre Operators

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing status of call centre operators in relation to their noise exposure. Conventional pure-tone audiometry and extended high-frequency audiometry were performed in 49 workers, aged 22–47 years (mean ± SD: 32.0 ± 6.0 years), working in call centre from 1.0 to 16.5 years (mean ± SD: 4.7 ± 2.9 years). Questionnaire inquiry aimed at collecting personal data, the information on ommunication headset usage habits, self-assessment of hearing ability and identification of risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss were also carried out. Sound pressure levels generated by the communication headset were determined using the artificial ear technique specified in CSA Z107.56-13 (2013) standard. The background noise prevailing in offices was also measured according to PN-N-01307 (1994) and PN-EN ISO 9612 (2011). Personal daily noise exposure levels in call centre operators varied from 66 to 86 dB (10–90th percentile). About half of the study subjects had normal hearing in the standard frequencies (from 250 to 8000 Hz) in both ears, while only 27.1% in the extended high-frequencies (9–16 kHz). Moreover, both high-frequency and speech-frequency hearing losses were observed in less than 10% of audiograms, while the extended high-frequency threshold shift was noted in 37.1% of analysed ears. The hearing threshold levels of call centre operators in the frequency of 0.25–11.2 kHz were higher (worse) than the expected median values for equivalent (due to age and gender) highly screened population specified in ISO 7029 (2017). Furthermore, they were also higher than predicted for 500–4000 Hz according to ISO 1999 (2013) based on the results of noise exposure evaluation.

Assessment of Role of Job Components and Individual Parameters on the Raised Blood Pressure in a Noisy Industry

The present study aimed to determine the role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure among male workers of textile industry who were exposed to continuous high noise level. Information of all eligible subjects including demographic and individual characteristics, medical history and job characteristics were obtained by direct interview and referring to the medical records. All blood pressure measurements were done using mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning before work. The 8-hours equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level, the level of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, and noise annoyance was determined for each worker. As the result of weighted regression in path analysis (direct effect), only the work shift did not have a significant effect on blood pressure among the studied variables. It can be seen that variables including the level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and noise exposure have the most direct effects on blood pressure. The results of total effects showed that variables, including using the hearing protection device, age, work experience and visibility of sound source, did not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that occupational noise exposure alone and combined with other job components and individual parameters is associated with raised blood pressure. However, noise exposure was probably a stronger stressor for increased blood pressure.

Modeling and Predicting the Changes in Hearing Loss of Workers with the Use of a Neural Network Data Mining Algorithm: A Field Study

The aim of the study study was to model, with the use of a neural network algorithm, the significance of a variety of factors influencing the development of hearing loss among industry workers. The workers were categorized into three groups, according to the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of noise exposure: Group 1 (LAeq 85 dB). The results obtained for Group 1 indicate that the hearing thresholds at the frequencies of 8 kHz and 1 kHz had the maximum effect on the development of hearing loss. In Group 2, the factors with maximum weight were the hearing threshold at 4 kHz and the worker’s age. In Group 3, maximum weight was found for the factors of hearing threshold at a frequency of 4 kHz and duration of work experience. The article also reports the results of hearing loss modeling on combined data from the three groups. The study shows that neural data mining classification algorithms can be an effective tool for the identification of hearing hazards and greatly help in designing and conducting hearing conservation programs in the industry.

Soundscape and subjective factors affecting residents' evaluation of aircraft noise in the communities under flight routes.

Aircraft noise is one of the most significant sources of environmental pollution in large cities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lockdown in community might increase residents' discomfort with the noise, which could disrupt public activities and reduce subjective well-being. Most of the existing studies considered aircraft noise as a single sound source, which have ignored the influence of other sounds in the community. This paper applied field survey to identify the soundscape and non-acoustic factors related to aircraft noise evaluation. Paper questionnaires were delivered to select residents of three sample residential areas near Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport to investigate residents' general health, evaluation of aircraft noise, community activities, and attitudinal factors. The relationship between respondent's noise evaluations and subjective factors were investigated through statistical analyses controlling for measured aircraft noise levels and the existence of soundscape facilities. The results indicated that the negative effects of aircraft noise were enhanced during the lock down, especially for frequent space users and those residents in poor health status. Under conditions of similar levels of aircraft noise exposure, communities with more birdsong and fountain sounds had lower proportion of highly annoyed respondents and higher level of soundscape ratings. This paper further indicated that personal factors including fear of air travel, noise sensitivity, and the frequency of outdoor activity had increased the level of annoyance to aircraft noise, while higher degree of annoyance to aircraft noise was associated with poor health status. The findings implied the moderating effects of subjective factors and the restorative effects of natural sounds, which could inform aircraft noise control and community consultation strategies by protecting vulnerable populations and creating community soundscape facilities. Future research might conduct a pre- and post-experiment to estimate the potential causal impact of the soundscape intervention.