Noise annoyance in dwellings during the first wave of Covid-19

Abstract

In March 2020, strict lock-down measures were imposed in response to COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions greatly affected our lives together with our environment. While indoor activities increased, streets got tranquil. On Noise Awareness Day 2020, Turkish Acoustical Society started an online survey on noise annoyance in dwellings. 1053 People responded questions on perceived noisiness, dwelling satisfaction, and noise annoyance for two time periods: (1) before and (2) during the pandemic. Stress and anxiety at the time was also evaluated. The results showed that traffic noise annoyance decreased while annoyance due to own-dwelling noises increased. Although being higher than both, neighbor noise annoyance did not change significantly. People who perceived their environment as “noisy” were more satisfied with their dwelling during COVID-19, and those who perceived as “quiet” were less satisfied. Noise sensitivity and annoyance were positively correlated with stress and anxiety while individual changes in annoyance (Aduring–Abefore) were independent. Finally, environmental noise levels (1) before COVID-19, (2) during total lock-down and (3) partial lock-down were measured at two locations. During total lock-down noise levels dropped 7.8dB near a main road while it increased 5 dB near greenery due to human activities. During partial lock-down the levels dropped 2.4 dB and 2.1 dB respectively.