What is annoyance due to noise?
A. Noise annoyance may be viewed as any negative subjective reaction to noise on the part of an individual or group. It is not an indication of weakness or inability to cope with stress on the part of the annoyed. More likely it signifies transient (or possibly lasting) stress beyond the control of the conscious individual. This is often expressed on social surveys as the percentage of people who express differing degrees of disturbance or dissatisfaction due to the noisiness of their environments. For the purpose of identifying protective noise levels, annoyance is quantified by using the percentage of people who are annoyed by noise. This is felt to be the best estimate of the average general adverse response of people, and in turn, is viewed as reflecting activity interference and the overall desire for quiet. Q. Are people annoyed at levels below an Ldn of 45 or 55 dB? Individuals, or even groups, may be annoyed by noise at low levels-the dripping faucet or humming fluorescent bulb
