Noise Annoyance and Perception by Low-Frequency Noise in Students

Abstract

Background: Low-frequency noise as a detrimental occupational and environmental factor which can cause noise annoyance. In addition to noise, factors such as sensitivity and awareness of adverse health effects of noise seem to play an important role in causing annoyance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of noise annoyance and loudness perception caused by exposure to low-frequency noise with noise sensitivity. Methods: To achieve this goal, 80 students were exposed to low-frequency noise exposure at 65 dBA in an acoustic room. After one hour of exposure, the subjects completed the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale, Loudness Perception Scale, and Noise Annoyance Scale. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis test and the Multivariate Analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The results showed that the mean score of noise annoyance and loudness perception was significantly higher in the group with high noise sensitivity. Also, increasing the awareness of the harmful effects of noise significantly increased the level of annoyance and loudness perception of individuals. The results of MANOVA showed that noise sensitivity has a significant effect on both the response variables. Also, awareness of the harmful effects of noise only affects loudness perception. The interaction effect of two independent variables was not significant on any of the response variables .Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that noise sensitivity and awareness of the harmful effects of noise are two important factors that exacerbate the annoyance caused by exposure to low-frequency noise.