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Developing a new Healdsburg Noise Ordinance

NOISE ANNOYANCE FACTORS

Annoyance = A feeling of displeasure associated with any agent or condition known or believed by an individual or a group to be adversely affecting them” (Lindvall and Radford 1973; Koelega 1987). Any sound that is perceived as irritating or a nuisance (ANSI 1995)

Noise is annoying. If exposed to noisy environments, people generally prefer to reduce the noise loudness, avoid it, or leave the noisy area if possible. The same noise could be annoying to some people but acceptable to others. There is no definite relationship between the degree of annoyance or unpleasantness of noise and the risk of adverse health effects. For example, very loud music may be pleasant to one group of people and annoying to another group. Both groups will be equally at risk of hearing loss.

Besides loudness of sound, several other factors contribute to annoyance. The following table lists examples of such factors:

Factors that affect Individual Annoyance to Noise Source: C.M. Harris. Handbook of Noise Control, 2^nd Ed.. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1979.
Primary acoustic factors	Sound level Frequency Duration
Secondary acoustic factors	Spectral complexity Fluctuations in sound level Fluctuations in frequency Rise-time of the noise Localization of noise source Physiology
Non-acoustic factors	Adaptation and past experience How the listener's activity affects annoyance Predictability of when a noise will occur Is the noise necessary? Individual differences and personality

Numerous studies have been conducted to increase understanding of the relationship between noise exposure and its effects on people in communities. Several factors, beyond the magnitude of exposure, have been found to influence community reaction:

1. Duration of intruding noises and frequency of occurrence
2. Time of year (windows open or closed)
3. Time of day of noise exposure
4. Outdoor noise level in community when intruding noises are not present
5. History of prior exposure to the noise source
6. Attitude toward the noise source
7. Presence of pure tones or impulses.

The EPA has studied community reaction to prolonged noise pollution. Read more: EPA Community Reactions to Noise

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