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Noise is often described as unwanted sound.  The loudness of sounds are measured in decibels and the scale goes from 0 to around 140 decibels (dB). The range was devised to fit in with our hearing threshold, but some people are able to hear below the zero level.  This is termed Low Frequency sounds, but there are also higher frequency sounds.  Low Frequency sounds include things like the bass beat of music, or the hum sound associated with air condition units.  Some sound level meters do not register these low frequencies.  Some machines use what is called “A” weighting.  The letter “A”, shown after the decibel reading (e.g. 40 dB (A) ), identifies that the lower frequency has not be taken into account.    If a letter “C” is given, this means that the lower frequency has been included (e.g. 40 dB (C) ).  For further explanation see our Information Sheet on Low Frequency Noise & Infrasound.

 

Here are examples of some typical sounds and their measurement:

 

140 dB          Fireworks/Plane taking off/Pain threshold

120 dB          Fire engine

100 dB          Pneumatic drill

90 dB            Disco

85 dB            Levels above this may harm our hearing

70 dB            Vacuum Cleaner

50 dB            Boiling Kettle/Rainfall

40 dB            Refrigerator

30 dB            Bedroom at night

10 dB            Breathing

 

There are auditory and non auditory affects of noise.  Loud noise can cause hearing problems (auditory), but noise can also cause annoyance (non auditory).  Annoyance leads to clinical stress.  Further information on likely health effects can be found in our Briefing Sheets on Health, Low Frequency and Infrasound.

Noise interferes with concentration and learning ability, it disrupts sleep pattern, and it has been used as a weapon in military or siege situations.  The notion that we become used to noise (habituated) has been disputed.  We know from some studies that whilst we may be in denial (saying we are not bothered) our bodies may still be reacting in a negative way.

 

For further information check out our Recommended Reading section.

 

UK Noise Association, PO BOX 551

Chatham, Kent ME4 9AJ

Tel: 01634 863 852  www.ukna.org.uk  info@ukna.org.uk