Short-term annoyance from nocturnal aircraft noise in children: The influence of acoustical and non-acoustical factors

Abstract

Acute psychological effects of aircraft noise have mostly been investigated in healthy adults so far. Recent noise effects research is increasingly focusing on individuals particularly sensitive to harmful noise effects. These vulnerable groups include especially children. Almost no studies exist on effects of nocturnal aircraft noise on short-term annoyance response in children. We aimed at closing this research gap by means of a field study conducted around Cologne-Bonn Airport in 51 children aged 8 to 10 years. Children were examined during four consecutive nights. During all nights, aircraft noise exposure was recorded inside the children`s bedroom. Aircraft noise metrics were calculated based on these measurements. Participants retrospectively rated short-term annoyance each morning via a five-point scale. Information on relevant moderating psychological factors (e.g., perception and evaluation of air traffic in the residential area, personal variables including sensitivity to noise) was obtained in personal interviews on the first study day. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop new exposure-response curves as a function of different acoustical and non-acoustical variables. Unlike adults, children’s short-term annoyance was not influenced by noise metrics such as number of nocturnal aircraft noise events. Noise sensitivity and attitudes towards air traffic, however, had a significant effect.