What is DNL?
The DNL metric describes the total noise exposure during a given period. However, DNL, by definition, can only be applied to a 24-hour period. In computing DNL, an extra weight of 10 dB is assigned to any sound levels occurring between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. This is intended to account for the greater annoyance that nighttime noise is presumed to cause for most people. This extra weight treats one nighttime noise event as equivalent to 10 daytime events of the same magnitude.