Page 6 - Laqfoil Acoustic Catalog

Of the many environmental stressors [in our word], noise is one of the most thoroughly studied, and no wonder; it is one of the most frequently mentioned stressors in surveys of what people like and do not like in their neighborhood or community. In part, this may be due to its pervasiveness in our society. Consider some of its many sources: traffic, aircraft, construction, sirens, trains, construction equipment, machinery, and, of course, other people. Sometimes we can adapt to noise, and may not even be aware of it as awe get used to it at a certain level. However, research suggests that noise can harm us in many different ways... Regulations governing noise exposure have been put into effect, reflecting recognition of
this important problem.
What is Noise?
The simplest and most common definition of noise is “unwanted sound.” You may enjoy listening to your favorite music on your sound system, but if the music disturbs what someone else is doing, or it isn’t their preferred listening choice, to them, it is noise. The sound of a garbage truck making pickups early in the morning may be necessary in order to maintain healthy sanitation, and for the early riser, this sound may provide a wake- up cue signaling a bright new day. But if you do not wish to be awakened so early in the morning, then the same sound, to you, is noise... few if any sounds are always or never unwanted, so nearly any sound can be experienced as noise under the right conditions. Thus, noise
has a physical condition, sound, as well as a psychological component, “unwanted”.
The three characteristics of noise are volume, predictability,
and
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