The Italian Version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale

Abstract

The Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) is one of the most widely used questionnaires to measure noise sensitivity, the most important subjective factor moderating the impact of noise on perceived annoyance. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the WNSS, tests the measurement invariance of this scale as a function of internal and external factors, and evaluates the effect of age, sex, and context on noise sensitivity. The scale was administered to a sample of 413 adults (40% females) living in quiet or noisy contexts. Dimensionality, reliability, invariance, validity, and equivalence were analyzed. Results confirmed that the WNSS is a reliable, valid, and invariant scale. Furthermore, noise sensitivity is affected by both subjective factors, such as age and sex, and external factors, such as living context.