Research on the Simulation of the Subjective Annoyance of Actual Noise Using Combined Pure Tones

A number of typical noise sources from urban environments were recorded. Based on spectral analysis, several characteristic frequencies which involved high subjective annoyance were selected according to the relative subjective annoyance of pure tones with different frequencies at equal loudness levels. Pure tones with characteristic frequencies were synthesized into a series of noise samples. A paired comparison test was used for comparison of the subjective annoyance due to actual noise and synthesized noise. The results suggest that the sound energy distribution of actual noise at different frequency bands should be considered in order to simulate the subjective annoyance induced by actual noise with composite noise more accurately. Composite noise should be combined with pure tones which induced high subjective annoyance and are located in frequency bands with the majority of sound energy, provided that the relative Sound Pressure Level (SPL) differences among the characteristic frequencies of actual ...