THE PREVALENCE OF ANNOYANCE AND EFFECTS AFTER LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO LOW-FREQUENCY NOISE

• Published in: Journal of sound and vibration 2001-02, Vol.240 (3), p.483-497
• Main Authors: PERSSON WAYE, K., RYLANDER, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustical measurements and instrumentation; Acoustics; Audition; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Human reaction time; Instrumentation and techniques for noise measurement and analysis; Medical problems; Physics; Psychophysiology
• ISSN: 0022-460X; 1095-8568
• DOI: 10.1006/jsvi.2000.3251

A cross-sectional questionnaire and noise measurement survey was undertaken among 279 randomly chosen persons exposed to noise from heat pump/ventilation installations in their homes. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of annoyance, disturbance of rest and concentration and the presence of psycho-social and medical symptoms in relation to noise exposure. Of the sample, 108 persons were exposed to a noise classified as of a low-frequency character (low-frequency noise exposed). As controls were chosen 171 persons living in similar residential areas, but exposed to a noise classified as of a mid-frequency character. The results showed that the prevalence of annoyance and disturbed concentration and rest was significantly higher among the persons exposed to low-frequency noise as compared to controls. Annoyance was suggested to be related to the sound pressure levels of the dominant low frequencies. The dB (A) noise levels did not predict annoyance. No significant differences in medical or psycho-social symptoms were found between the low-frequency noise exposed persons and controls. Among persons reporting themselves to be “rather” or “very” annoyed by low-frequency noise due to the heat pump/ventilation installations, a higher extent of psycho-social symptoms, sleep disturbance and headaches was found.