Abstract
Although noise research concentrates principally on the workplace,
recent studies have shown that preferred leisure noise may be as
loud as 10 dBA higher than workplace levels. This two-phase study
compared leisure noise preferences for workers who were exposed to
either a ‘loud’ (≥ 85 dBA) or ‘not loud’ (< 85 dBA) work environment.
Phase 1 examined 110 subjects' noise level preferences that were
recorded before and after work for a one-day observation. Phase 2
recorded 12 additional subjects' preferences for five consecutive
days. Analysis of both phases' results determined that leisure noise
levels prior to work were not significantly different. Those exposed
to the ‘loud’ environment preferred noise levels significantly higher
(6.5 to 9 dBA) than their before work levels. Over the five consecutive
days (Phase 2) only the ‘loud’ group preferred noise levels significantly
higher after work (Day 5 versus Day 1). Thus, it can be concluded
that ‘loud’ work environments and consecutive daily exposure to these
environments do influence preferred leisure noise levels.
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