Noise nuisance is the unwanted exposure to sound that people experience as disturbing, annoying or burdensome, regardless of its exact loudness.
How noise nuisance works
Whether sound is experienced as a nuisance depends not only on the number of decibels, but also on the type of sound, the time of day and personal perception. A soft but persistent hum can be more bothersome than a short, loud bang.
Important sources of noise nuisance include:
- Road, rail and air traffic
- Neighbours, music and hospitality venues
- Construction and demolition work
- Industry and installations such as heat pumps
Factors that influence perception:
- Pitch and frequency of the sound
- Continuous noise versus sudden peaks
- Time of day (night weighs more heavily than day)
Application
Knowledge of noise nuisance is used when designing and assessing buildings and public spaces. In construction, attention is paid to:
- Sound insulation between dwellings and floors
- Absorbing materials to limit reverberation
- Placing installations away from bedrooms
- Noise barriers along busy roads
Prolonged noise nuisance can lead to sleep problems, stress and reduced concentration. This is why legal noise limits exist to curb serious cases, also known as noise pollution.
Related terms
- Sound
- Noise pollution
- Sound insulation
- Decibel
- Noise barrier
- Acoustics
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