Effect of individual attributes on allowable level of household sounds inside a residential space

The threshold sound pressure level of noise annoyance generated by various household sounds in a quiet residential space was investigated through psychophysical experiments. An audiovisual environment was simulated assuming a situation in which eight types of household sounds are heard in a residential space, and the lower threshold sound pressure level of annoyance at which household sounds are perceived as annoying was measured using the method of adjustment. The measured results were analyzed in relation to the noise sensitivity of subjects and the extent of sound insulation of their own houses. The results showed that individual factors related to the noise sensitivity and sound insulation score, as well as the audiovisual environmental factors related to the background noise and day-night condition, have significant influences on the lower threshold sound pressure level of annoyance.