2024/01/01 by Ann Alvar, Alexander L. Francis · 1 voice
Engineering · Health Professions · Neuroscience · #Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation #Noise Effects and Management #Vehicle Noise and Vibration Control
paper · pdf · doi:10.1121/10.0024272
openalex publication_date 2024/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between sound level and autonomic arousal using acoustic signals similar in level and acoustic properties to common sounds in the built environment. Thirty-three young adults were exposed to background sound modeled on ventilation equipment noise presented at levels ranging from 35 to 75 dBA sound pressure level (SPL) in 2 min blocks while they sat and read quietly. Autonomic arousal was measured in terms of skin conductance level. Results suggest that there is a direct relationship between sound level and arousal, even at these realistic levels. However, the effect of habituation appears to be more important overall.