Effects of building mechanical system noise on worker performance and perception.

Abstract

This paper presents results from a number of studies that investigated the effects of noise from building mechanical systems on human task performance and perception. Three phases of research were conducted, each of which utilized a different set of noise signals produced by building mechanical systems: (1) broad-band noise at different levels and spectral qualities, (2) tonal noise conditions, and (3) noise conditions with time-varying fluctuations. In each phase, six different noise signals (many based on in-situ measurements) were reproduced in an office-like setting. Thirty participants completed tasks (e.g., typing, grammatical reasoning, and math) plus subjective questionnaires, while exposed to each noise condition for up to 1 h. In general, no statistically significant differences were found in task performance across the various noise signals tested. However, higher annoyance/distraction responses from the test subjects were often significantly correlated with reduced typing performance. These higher annoyance/distraction responses were also closely correlated to higher subjective ratings of loudness, followed by roar, rumble, and tones or fluctuations. Of particular interest is that a greater perception of low-frequency rumble was significantly linked to reduced performance on both the routine and cognitively demanding tasks. [Work supported by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.]

Developing a Model for Assessment of Traffic Distraction

“…Taking into account several variables such as loudness, pitch strength and fluctuation of pitch strength among others, it is possible to calculate the annoyance level of a certain sound or a soundscape [4][5][6]. Another part of soundscape and sound analysis deals with their distraction properties and the way in which characteristic sounds influence people performing logical, mathematical and other concentration demanding tasks [7,8].…”

“…Numerous studies dealing with human performance and perception under different sound and noise conditions usually consist of listening to certain sound stimuli and performing various tasks in a specific work environment [7,8]. Most research to date focuses on the way different sounds influence listener's perception and distraction, and involves short artificial sounds, mainly noise, with different spectral content, duration and level [11][12][13].…”

Psychoacoustical Approach in Soundscape Characterization

“…Taking into account several variables such as loudness, pitch strength and fluctuation of pitch strength among others, it is possible to calculate the annoyance level of a certain sound or a soundscape [13]- [16]. Another part of soundscape and sound analysis deals with their distraction properties and the way in which characteristic sounds influence people performing logical, mathematical and other concentration demanding tasks [10], [11].…”