Subjective reactions to traffic noise (vor Ort)
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Analyses of results from noise surveys reveal that less than 1/3 of the variance in the annoyance response is caused by the noise level itself, whereas the rest is determined by so-called non-acoustic factors. This means that the annoyance response can be altered within wide limits without doing any changes to the actual noise level. So, when all the technically feasible and economically possible measures are used, the noise impact can still be reduced by making changes in the non-acoustic factors known to moderate the annoyance response. In the future, the regulatory system may consider formulating the limits for noise in terms of the percentage of highly annoyed as seen in WHO guidelines. If so, the handling of the non-acoustic moderators will be a measure in line with other noise mitigation measures. Until then, reduction of the perceived annoyance is a goal that will benefit the noise exposed population. The advantages will be fewer complaints, fewer lawsuits, less bad media coverage, better relations to the neighbours of major noise sources and better acceptance for new projects.
