Quantifiable Effects of Noise on Humans,

Abstract

Quantifiable effects of noise are defined as those effects that demonstrate both a clear causal relationship, and also an increase of severity of the effect with the magnitude of the noise exposure. While possible noise effects, such as elevated blood pressure and sleep interference, are discussed, a rationale is given for not considering these effects as quantifiable. The three quantifiable effects of noise are identified. These are induced hearing loss, speech/activity interference, and general community response. Measurement and evaluation of each of these effects are discussed. Recommendations and exceptions to evaluating the environmental effects of noise are provided. Although the author recognizes the occasional need of other noise descriptors, the basic descriptor promoted by the EPA and accepted by the Department of Defense, the Day Night Sound Level, is recommended for measuring environmental tests. This measure provides a reasonable assessment of the three quantifiable effects for most types of environmental noises. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA079559

Entities

People

  • Daniel L Johnson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Background Noise
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Databases
  • Department Of Defense
  • Determinants (Mathematics)
  • Ear
  • Frequency
  • Health
  • Health Services
  • Hearing Loss
  • Intensity
  • Noise
  • Physiological Effects
  • Public Health
  • Sound Pressure
  • United States

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Theoretical Analysis.