Community Aircraft Noise Induced Annoyance around Cologne/Bonn Airport - First Results of a Telephone Study –

Abstract

The current status of aircraft noise induced annoyance in the proximity of the Cologne/Bonn Airport was assessed in a telephone study. Aim of the interview campaign was a deeper understanding of the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and long-term aircraft noise annoyance in consideration of personal and situational influence variables. 1265 residents around the Cologne/Bonn Airport aged between 18 and 95 years (M = 58.7, SD = 15.5) were interviewed. The individual exposure to aircraft noise was classified as the energy-equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq) using the three gradations high (LAeq > 55 dB(A)), medium (45 dB(A) ≤ LAeq ≤ 55 dB(A)), and low (LAeq < 45 dB(A)). Aircraft noise induced annoyance was assessed using the standardized 5-point scale recommended by the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN). The interviews were carried out in six areas selected by the criteria LAeq, existence of night-time air traffic, dominant flight operations (takeoff vs. approach), financial grants for sound insulation provided by the airport, and additional non-aircraft related sources of noise. The results of multifactor analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a significant positive relation between LAeq and aircraft noise annoyance of the residents. In all analyses, self-rated global noise sensitivity was a significant covariate. Residents who stated to have been confronted with aviation related topics during the last weeks before the interview report a higher annoyance due to aircraft noise. People who stated to cope with aircraft noise in their everyday life gave higher annoyance ratings. In contrast, no effects could be found for additional non-aircraft related sources of noise, sound insulation of the house, or home ownership.