Sources and effects of low-frequency noise

Abstract

The sources of human exposure to low-frequency noise and its effects are reviewed. Low-frequency noise is common as background noise in urban environments, and as an emission from many artificial sources: road vehicles, aircraft, industrial machinery, artillery and mining explosions, and air movement machinery including wind turbines, compressors, and ventilation or air-conditioning units. The effects of low-frequency noise are of particular concern because of its pervasiveness due to numerous sources, efficient propagation, and reduced efficacy of many structures (dwellings, walls, and hearing protection) in attenuating low-frequency noise compared with other noise. Intense low-frequency noise appears to produce clear symptoms including respiratory impairment and aural pain. Although the effects of lower intensities of low-frequency noise are difficult to establish for methodological reasons, evidence suggests that a number of adverse effects of noise in general arise from exposure to low-frequency noise: Loudness judgments and annoyance reactions are sometimes reported to be greater for low-frequency noise than other noises for equal sound-pressure level; annoyance is exacerbated by rattle or vibration induced by low-frequency noise; speech intelligibility may be reduced more by low-frequency noise than other noises except those in the frequency range of speech itself, because of the upward spread of masking. On the other hand, it is also possible that low-frequency noise provides some protection against the effects of simultaneous higher frequency noise on hearing. Research needs and policy decisions, based on what is currently known, are considered.

An assessment of residential exposure to environmental noise at a shipping port

“…Persson and Bjorkman (1988) and Persson et al (1990) found that dB(A) underestimates the level of annoyance for low frequency noise. This, along with other related work implies that noise at low frequencies is considered more annoying by individuals (Broner, 1978;Berglund et al, 1996;Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska, 2010). Moreover, related research has also found that low frequency noise has a greater degree of 'unpleasantness' than noise in the A-weighted frequency bands (Inukai et al, 2000;Nakamura and Inukai, 1998).…”

Preparation and Properties of Foamed Cellulose-Polymer Microsphere Hybrid Materials for Sound Absorption

“…Noise pollution, especially low-frequency noise (20 to 100 Hz), is harmful to the human body, because of the resonance of audio frequency and the internal constituents, which can produce damage to internal organs (Berglund et al 1996). Noise pollution is also one of the most important environmental problems and is harmful to human health, as is exemplified by hearing loss and body lesions (Stansfeld and Matheson 2003).…”

Everyday Exposure to Occupational/Non-Occupational Infrasound Noise in Our Life

“…Infrasound noise is sensed by humans either by hearing and beyond-hearing way -by vibration receptors placed all over the body. The authors (Berglund, Hassemen, 1996;Leventhall et al, 2003; Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska, 1999) highlight that arduous impact of infrasound noise is characterised by symptoms such as exhaustion, discomfort, sleeplessness, impaired balance, psychomotor skills, and disruption (Jacobsen, 2001), including Dutch guidelines concerning permissible infrasound levels in rooms from outside sources. These guidelines describe the level of 85 dBG as maximum level suggested in most rooms.…”