Spectral Character, Exposure Levels and Adverse Effects of Ventilation Noise in Offices

Abstract

Ventilation noise in offices and related annoyance and other adverse effects were studied in four workplaces, representing high and low levels of ventilation noise. The infrasonic part of the ventilation noise did not exceed the perception threshold level and thus did not contribute to the noise effects observed. Annoyance was rated higher in the two workplaces with a higher ventilation noise exposure level. The rated annoyance was only weakly correlated with both dB(A), dB(B), dB(C), dB(D) and dBlin levels. However, annoyance was closely related to the time during which the ventilation noise was reported to be heard. The investigation also included a study of the rated effects on performance, hearing sensations and other adverse effects.