Noise Management Research Articles

Spatial Hearing in Children With and Without Hearing Loss: Where and What the Speech Is Matters for Local Speech Intelligibility.

This study examined children's ability to perceive speech from multiple locations on the horizontal plane. Children with hearing loss were compared to normal-hearing peers while using amplification with and without advanced noise management. Participants were 21 children with normal hearing (9-15 years) and 12 children with moderate symmetrical hearing loss (11-15 years). Word recognition, nonword detection, and word recall were assessed. Stimuli were presented randomly from multiple discrete locations in multitalker noise. Children with hearing loss were fit with devices having separate omnidirectional and noise management programs. The noise management feature is designed to preserve audibility in noise by rapidly analyzing input from all locations and reducing the noise management when speech is detected from locations around the hearing aid user. Significant effects of left/right and front/back lateralization occurred as well as effects of hearing loss and hearing aid noise management. Children with normal hearing experienced a left-side advantage for word recognition and a right-side advantage for nonword detection. Children with hearing loss demonstrated poorer performance overall on all tasks with better word recognition from the back, and word recall from the right, in the omnidirectional condition. With noise management, performance improved from the front compared to the back for all three tasks and from the right for word recognition and word recall. The shape of children's local speech intelligibility on the horizontal plane is not omnidirectional. It is task dependent and shaped further by hearing loss and hearing aid signal processing. Front/back shifts in children with hearing loss are consistent with the behavior of hearing aid noise management, while the right-side biases observed in both groups are consistent with the effects of specialized speech processing in the left hemisphere of the brain.

Effects of Nighttime Noise Management in Intensive Care Units on Hormone Levels and Sleep Quality in Conscious Patients.

This study aims to investigate the effects of nighttime noise management in intensive care units (ICU) on hormone levels and sleep quality in conscious patients. From March 2020 to March 2021, the routine noise management for conscious patients was implemented in the ICU of Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. During this time, 86 patients were selected as the study subjects; five patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and 81 patients were included in the reference group. From April 2021 to April 2022, nighttime noise management for conscious patients was conducted, during which 93 patients were selected as the research subjects; six patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and 87 patients were included in the observation group. The hormone indicators, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) scores were collected and compared. After management, the observation group had significantly lower noise level and hormone indicators (P < 0.05), significantly lower PSQI score (P < 0.001) and significantly lower SCL-90 score than the reference group (P < 0.01). Nighttime noise in the ICU has an adverse effect on conscious patients. Nighttime noise management improves the hormone levels and sleep quality of ICU patients.

Impacts of Different Noise Environments on Polysomnographic Monitoring Parameters and Sleep Quality Among Hospitalized Patients.

Excessive noise levels may decrease patients' sleep quality and increase the risk of sleep disorders in patients. Given that only a few studies have been conducted on noise levels and sleep quality in hospitalized patients, this study investigated the effects of different noise environments on polysomnographic parameters and sleep in hospitalized patients. It also analyzed the factors associated with patients' sleep quality. A sample of 244 cases of hospitalized patients were retrospectively selected from March 2020 to March 2023. A total of 122 patients without ward noise reduction treatment were set as the control group. A total of 122 patients who were treated with ward noise reduction were set as the observation group. The polysomnographic monitoring parameters and sleep conditions levels were compared between the two groups, after which logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors that affected patients' sleep. The incidence of noise level, rapid eye movement stage (R) phase proportion, nonrapid eye movement stage 1 (N1) phase proportion, and poorer sleep quality all had higher levels in the control group than in the observation group. In comparison, nonrapid eye movement stage 2 (N2) phase proportion, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) were all lower than those in the observation group (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the need for surgery, having diabetes mellitus, higher noise level and low N2 percentage levels were all associated factors affecting the sleep quality of patients. Environments with higher levels of noise can lead to patients' poorer sleep quality. Thus, it is necessary to actively implement noise management measures to avoid higher noise levels and maintain good sleep quality among patients.

Effect of Ward Noise Management Combined with Meditation Training on Stroke Rehabilitation Patients.

To study the value of ward noise management combined with meditation training in stroke rehabilitation patients. According to the retrospective analysis method, 150 stroke patients hospitalized in the rehabilitation center of a Tangshan Workers' Hospital from July 2020 to December 2023 were selected as study objects. They were divided into three groups, namely the control group (routine rehabilitation care, n = 50), observation group A (meditation training, n = 50), and observation group B (meditation training and ward noise management, n = 50) according to whether they received ward noise management and meditation training. The general demographic data, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) were collected. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data. The baseline data of the patients in each group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Before treatment, no difference in the FSS, PSQI, SF-36 scores and environmental noise level between the groups (P > 0.05) was observed. After management, the scores of SF-36 in observation group B were higher than those in the control group and observation group A (P < 0.05) except for somatic pain. Other indicators in observation group B were lower than those in the control and observation group A (P < 0.001). Ward noise management and meditation training can effectively reduce patients' fatigue, significantly reducing ambient noise levels, promoting the improvement of life quality, and improving sleep quality.

Benchmarking the aircraft noise mapping package developed for a unified urban environmental modelling tool

Abstract In densely populated cities, residents living near aerodromes may experience heightened exposure to aircraft noise. With hybrid work arrangement, authorities have observed a rise in the number of complaints filed by residents affected by aircraft noise. In view of this problem, urban planners are now placing even more emphasis on exploring solutions that can manage aircraft noise in new and existing residential areas. To achieve this objective, urban planners usually rely on external acoustic consultants to generate noise maps using commercial software. However, urban planners may need to quickly evaluate potential noise issues in the neighbourhood so that noise management strategies can be brainstormed in advance. In this article, we present the development and benchmarking of a package designed to easily generate aircraft noise maps via simplified procedures and a reduced amount of input data, with acceptable accuracy in the results. These benefits distinguish our developed package from commercial software. Our developed package was eventually integrated into an in-house-developed unified urban environmental modelling tool that aims to help urban planners design more liveable and sustainable residential towns in an intuitive and quick manner.

Advancements in nanotechnology for acoustic management in pickleball

This research investigates the use of advanced nano-fiber technology for sound and noise management in pickleball courts. The technology, known for its flexibility and adaptability, addresses the unique acoustic challenges of pickleball, a sport with a distinctive noise profile characterized by impulsive and unpredictable sounds. These nano-fibers are particularly effective in absorbing mid to high-frequency noises (800–5000 Hz) common in pickleball. Incorporating these nano-fibers into acoustic foams and textiles significantly enhances sound absorption, allowing for thinner materials while doubling performance compared to conventional materials. These fibers, about 1/500th the diameter of human hair, have a high surface area to volume ratio, aiding in sound scattering and increased friction with air molecules. This structure enables the efficient transformation of sound energy into heat, which is then effectively dissipated. Aligned with the Acoustical Society of America's standards, this abstract emphasizes a scientific breakthrough in sports acoustics, contributing to the reduction in urban noise pollution. The study underscores the impact of cutting-edge material technology in improving environmental acoustics and community well-being.

Antiquated Canadian Aircraft Noise Guidance—Setting the grounds for encroachment and adverse community impacts

A comprehensive research project at the University of Windsor entitled Prediction and Management of Aircraft Noise Annoyance Around Canadian Airports reviewed multiple components of Canada’s TP 1247 Land Use in the Vicinity of Aerodromes. Using noise, complaints and survey data from Toronto Pearson International Airport, researchers evaluated the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) system as a tool for aircraft noise annoyance prediction and management. The NEF metric and its correlation to annoyance was examined as well as applicability of the NEF 30 threshold for the onset of significant annoyance. Further, the guideline for expected community response to noise was tested. The research found that most components of the NEF system are antiquated and in need of revision. A lack of prompt action to update Canadian guidelines for aircraft noise is setting the grounds for conflicts between stakeholders with competing interests and increasing the risks for greater noise impacts on future communities.

Using passive acoustic data to understand sustainable vessel operations

Marine vessels support diverse ocean economic sectors. As society works towards a sustainable ocean economy, a variety of vessel initiatives are emerging. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) offers a method to evaluate these initiatives. Here we review efforts related to vessel noise management in marine protected areas (MPA) and benefits of vessel speed reduction programs (VSRs). Monitoring marine vessel activity and related underwater noise across a network of protected areas, like the U.S. National Marine Sanctuary system, helps managers ensure the quality of habitats used by a wide range of species. Network-wide comparisons of vessel noise revealed a spectrum of conditions, providing robust metrics to help prioritize management and inform condition assessments. These same vessel noise metrics provided insight on noise reduction related to changes in vessel operations during multiple VSRs. The metrics are complementary to other noise reduction metrics currently used to evaluate VSRs. With the growth in VSRs, there is a need to communicate noise reduction at scales relevant to the targeted vessels, typically larger than individual VSRs. Coordinated efforts are advancing to meet these needs. With strategic, systematic, and sustained efforts, PAM can continue to provide key insight on efforts to realize sustainable marine vessel operations.

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

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.

The management of bias and noise in public sector decision-making: experimental evidence from healthcare

ABSTRACT In six randomized online experiments with 2,647 medical doctors we test whether – depending on the choice architecture – physicians engaged in prescribing decisions in public organizations fall prey to systematic error (i.e. bias) and make significantly different choices when faced with the same clinical case (i.e. level noise). Results show that experts tend to make irrational choices that are influenced by outgroup bias, social comparison, past behaviour, confirmation bias, loss aversion, equivalence framing, and asymmetric dominance. We also find evidence of significant level noise, that is, between-prescriber variability, with the distribution of responses differing remarkably across experimental arms.

Observing thermal lensing with quantum light.

The introduction of quantum methods in spectroscopy can provide enhanced performance and technical advantages in the management of noise. We investigate the application of quantum illumination in a pump and probe experiment. Thermal lensing in a suspension of gold nanorods is explored using a classical beam as the pump and the emission from parametric downconversion as the probe. We obtain an insightful description of the behavior of the suspension under pumping with a method known to provide good noise rejection. Our findings are a further step toward investigating the effects of quantum light in complex plasmonic media.

Noise Separation Technique for Enhancing Substation Noise Assessment Using the Phase Conjugation Method

The intrinsic noise of different transformers in the same substation belongs to the same type of noise, which is strongly coherent and difficult to separate, greatly increasing the cost of substation noise assessment and treatment. To solve the problem, the present paper proposes a noise separation technique using the phase conjugation method to separate the intrinsic noise signals of different transformers: firstly, the reconstruction of sound source information is realized by the phase conjugation method based on the measurement and emission of a line array; secondly, the intrinsic noise signals of the sound source are obtained by the equivalent point source method. The error of the separation technique is analyzed by point source simulation, and the optimal arrangement form of the microphone line array is studied. A validation experiment in a semi-anechoic chamber is also carried out, and the results prove that the error of separation technique is less than 2dBA, which is the error tolerance of engineering applications. Finally, a noise separation test of three transformers is performed in a substation using the proposed technique. The results show that the proposed technique is able to realize the intrinsic noise separation of each transformer in the substation, which is of positive significance for substation noise assessment and management.

Structural Framework for Managing Road Traffic Noise in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

The management of road traffic noise largely seeks to maintain low human exposure to high noise levels, such that human health and well-being are protected. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the existing management structures for managing road traffic noise in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. A descriptive and qualitative survey was conducted in all the road traffic-related agencies in Jos, Nigeria. A purposive sample of at least 10 road traffic-related ministries and agencies in Jos voluntarily participated in the study and responded to a set of questions related to their operational codes and conducts, existing laws, statutes, policies and structures, practices and standards, accident violation, penalties fact sheets of operations among others have been put on the ground to reduce traffic volume and noise among other traffic- related challenges in Jos. A reconnaissance survey was carried out to get the agencies’ evidences of their operations on the field. The findings of this study revealed that there is no direct organogram at present for managing traffic noise in Jos metropolis, but a series of uncoordinated agencies and standards. This study therefore recommends, a structural framework for managing road traffic noise in Jos metropolis, Nigeria, and also, the establishment of a road traffic management agency to be known as the Plateau State Traffic Management Authority (PLASTMA).

Correction of phase offset errors and quantification of background noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and encoded-displacement uncertainty on DENSE MRI for kinematics of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta

Displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) MRI is a phase contrast technique that allows the encoding of tissue displacement into the phase of the magnetic resonance signal. Recent developments in this technique allow the imaging of relatively thin structures such as the aortic wall. Quantifying background noise associated to DENSE MRI is required to assess the uncertainty of derived displacement measurements and for the design and implementation of adequate noise-reduction techniques. Although noise and error management of cardiac DENSE MRI has been previously studied, developments for aortic applications are scarce. Herein, we evaluate the noise and uncertainty of DENSE MRI scans at three different locations along the descending aorta: the distal aortic arch (DAA), the descending thoracic aorta (DTA), and infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA). Additionally, we analyze three datasets from in vitro validation experiments with polyvinyl alcohol phantoms. We implement and evaluate the effectiveness of an offset-error correction algorithm and noise filtering techniques on DENSE MRI for aortic motion applications. Our results show that the phase signal of pixels composing the static background was normally distributed, centered on average at 0.003 ± 0.02 rad and − 0.02 ± 0.024 rad for each phase directions, suggesting that background noise is random, isotropic, and DENSE MRI has little offset errors. However, background signal noise significantly increased with elapsed time of the cardiac cycle; and was spatially heterogeneous consistently increased towards the anterior space. Background noise showed no significant differences between the 3 aortic locations and the in vitro experiments. However, SNR depended on the displacement of the region of interest, in consequence it was found significantly larger at DAA (16.7 ± 8.5, p = 0.003) and DTA (15.4 ± 7.6, p = 0.008) than at the IAA (8.0 ± 4.1), but not significantly different than the SNR of in vitro experiments (8.0 ± 3.7), and had an overall average of 13 ± 7. The applied methods significantly reduced the offset error and effect of noise on the estimation of encoded displacements. Finally, this analysis suggests that the implemented DENSE MRI protocol is adequate to assess the motion of healthy human aortas. However, the relative effect of noise increased considerably on the analysis of an ageing or diseased aortas with impaired mobility, calling for further analyses on pathologically stiffened aortas.

Sounds in intensive care units: Perspectives of patients and parents. A qualitative study

Sounds in intensive care units: Perspectives of patients and parents. A qualitative study Abstract: Background: Sound levels in intensive care units exceed internationally recommended limits. This can have negative effects on patients, relatives, and staff. There is a lack of evidence on noise-reducing measures. Aim: The aim of the study was the implementation and evaluation of ward-specific noise management in intensive care units. In the present article, the question of the noise and stress experience of intensive care patients and parents of neonatal intensive care patients was explored. Methods: 33 semi-structured interviews with intensive care patients and parents of neonatal intensive care patients in three intensive care units were conducted and analysed. Results: Sounds in intensive care units can be stressful (especially alarms) but also be interpreted as meaningful. This is not only related to the context of the ICU, but also to individual experiences and the social aspects of the sounds. In order to avoid or reduce stress, participants apply individual noise (stress) management. In contrast, ward-related noise management had no specific effect on the participants. Conclusions: The findings offer indications for suitable measures to reduce the noise exposure of intensive care patients and parents of neonatal intensive care patients. Research about measures such as concepts for supporting the attribution and differentiation of sounds could follow.

Research on Noise Management Technology for Fully Homomorphic Encryption

Research on Noise Management Technology for Fully Homomorphic Encryption

Challenging the ‘Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management’ Principle: Will the Dutch Approach Stand or Will the Principle Prevail?

In order to find a new balance between economic considerations and a healthy living environment, the Dutch government attempts to limit capacity at Schiphol Airport. Three ‘tracks’ are devised to effectuate its decision designed to reduce capacity, with the first two exclusively related to noise-related restrictions on the number of aircraft movements. Introducing such noise-related operating restrictions at airports requires a ‘Balanced Approach (BA) to aircraft noise management’, as international and European law prescribes. Both tracks pursued by the government of the Netherlands are heavily disputed for not complying with the international BA principle and the BA Regulation of the European Union (EU). In the 1.5 years since the initial announcement, the Dutch approach to the BA has gained much international attention, and developments have followed one another in quick succession. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the developments that have been and are taking place and to put the BA in a broader, international context. The article will first study the BA concept and conditions at the international level (section 2) and how these have been transposed in and supplemented by the noise regime under EU law (section 3). The way the BA procedure in the present case is being conducted in the Netherlands and the results that have been notified to the EU Commission are then analysed against this background (section 4). While the EU Commission reviews the Dutch BA procedure, and questions about its enforcement powers arise, the last part places noise-related operating restrictions in the broader context of the EU internal air transport market (section 5) and international obligations vis-à-vis third States (section 6). Balanced Approach, Aircraft Noise Management, Noise Problem, Noise Measures, Noise-related Operating Restrictions, Capacity Reduction Airport, EU Balanced Approach Regulation, EU Environmental Noise Directive, Dutch Balanced Approach Procedure 2023, Traffic Rights, EU Internal Market, Environmental Measures

Factors Affecting Nurses’ Performance of Noise Management in Adult Intensive Care Units

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting the noise management performance of adult intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in Korea. The ICU environment is exposed to various types of noises due to the use of medical devices for the treatment of critically ill patients. The noise has an adverse effect on nurses’ health and their nursing performance, which might potentially threaten patient safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 148 nurses working in adult ICUs from two university hospitals in Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, which included various aspects such as noise knowledge, response to noise, patient safety culture, and noise management performance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that teamwork (β = 0.33, p=0.004), patient safety policy, and procedure (β = 0.25, p=0.037), which were subscales of patient safety culture, as well as frequency of noise experience (β = 0.16, p=0.030) were significant factors affecting adult ICU nurses’ performance of noise management. This study provides a significant basis for promoting adult ICU nurses’ performance in noise management. A structured policy and procedure for noise management should be established for reducing noise in adult ICUs. In terms of nursing education, it is necessary to consider and develop team-based training programs to promote noise management performance in the ICU. Nurse managers and nursing organizations should consider how to create conditions in which nurses can recognize the importance of noise reduction and perform well in noise management.

Study of the Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality in Romanian Schools through an Extensive Experimental Campaign

Decentralized ventilation systems in schools are becoming more important due to the focus on indoor air quality and energy economy. The research aims to explore how these technologies affect classroom air quality, thermal comfort, and noise. The study examined four decentralized ventilation systems in a real-world school using field measurements and data analysis. This included measuring the CO2, temperature, noise, and thermal comfort using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index. All systems greatly improved the air quality, keeping CO2 levels within suggested limits. They failed to control indoor humidity, often lowering it to below optimal levels. Noise surpassed the 35 dB(A) criteria at maximum operation but was acceptable at lower airflows. Noise and air drafts did not bother residents. The study found that decentralized ventilation systems improve air quality and are easy to adapt to, although they need humidity control and noise management at higher operational levels.

Impact of Noise Pollution on Community Health and Well-Being in Lagos, Nigeria

This study examines the effects of noise pollution at various times of the day on residential, commercial, and industrial zones in Lagos, Nigeria. Different noise levels are shown by descriptive statistics; residential zones have moderate noise during the day, higher noise in the evening, and reduced noise at night. The noise levels in commercial and industrial zones are consistently greater, which highlights the difficulties that households experience. There is a discrepancy between measured and perceived noise levels, according to community perceptions impacted by cultural and local factors. In order to create a more sustainable and peaceful urban environment in Lagos, the study emphasizes the necessity of context-specific noise management techniques in urban planning and policy formulation.