Noise Level Measurement Procedure
Noise Level Measurement Procedure
Noise level measurement procedures are followed while monitoring sound level or acoustic energy level in the specified area. We will see what are important factors to keep in mind while measuring noise level.
These days annoying noise levels have started to become a major threat to public health. Noise in simple terms can be defined as unwanted or unpleasant sound which disturbs the environment and has a significant impact on the quality of life.
Yes! Exposure to continuous high noise levels can seriously jeopardize our quality of life.
We all very well know how exposure to high noise level can result in hearing impairment, headache, sleep disturbance and impaired task performance.
But, wait there is more.
Recent studies have shown, continuous exposure to high noise levels can result in
- Indigestion
- Peptic ulcer
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Hearing loss in new borns
- Prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and disruption to normal growth and development of premature infant.
Now that we have got a slight idea of the effects long term exposure to noise can have on us, we can very well understand the importance to monitor noise pollution and try some control measures to minimize it.
The major step of noise level monitoring or rather any monitoring is measurement of pollutants.
For easy understanding of noise level measurement procedure we can follow the below mentioned simple steps.
Let’s first try to understand what are noise waves?
- Noise waves or acoustic waves are emitted from specific items or machinery
- Generally sound energy radiation pattern is isotropic i.e. it spreads in all direction.
- In most of the cases sound transmits through air in straight line
- Noise level are measured using noise level meter that provides various options for signal averaging and analysis points
- Main concern of noise level on human is it directly affects sleep, relaxation and conversion
Prerequisites for Noise Level Measurement Procedure
Measurement of Noise from One Source
The measurement of noise from a stationary source is carried out near the source where sound pressure is higher from the source compared to all other noise. The sound measured nearby the source tells the noise generated by the source.
Measurement of Noise for varying noise levels
If the amplitude of the noise level from source is varying with time, then suitable averaging technique or statistics which yield an appropriate measurement of noise is required. There are several alternatives can be selected to decide appropriate techniques.
If the sound level of the source is varying then the overall sound levels will be controlled by loud sound levels. Whenever there is a variation in noises then Leq method is used for measurement. Leq method is used to give higher weightage to louder noises by applying logarithmic averages.
To measure loud noises impulse noise level measurement Procedure is used. Noise level meters with sound pressure averaged for 35 ms are used for impulse noise level measurement. Non-impulsive measurement required noise level meters with the fast or slow averaging method. For fast averaging method time constant of 125 ms is set and for a slow averaging method, 1000 ms time is set in noise level meters.
Sound Pressure level or Sound Power level
Sound level measured from specific distance from sound source can be used to calculate sound power output. Similarly, Sound power of the source can be used to calculate pressure level for the sound at other locations away from the source. Sound pressure level or power levels are used in cases where measurement of sound level is difficult due to the presence of other loud noises.
Noise Weakening with distance from noise source
The relation between sound power at source and sound power at particular distance from the source is influenced by multiple physical factors. The major factors in influencing the sound over the distance are source-receptor distance, topography of that area and ground level characteristics and meteorological conditions.
Noise Level measurement Procedure
Identification of location and its type and instrument
The first step before starting measurement of noise level is to always identify the type of location.
Location to be monitored could belong to any of the five areas, viz. Commercial, Industrial, Residential, silent and mixed.
This must be identified. Once we are able to identify the type, we can then select a position to place the instrument.
The instrument must always be positioned away from direct source, vibration and from any obstruction. This is because we are performing ambient noise monitoring.
Selection of instrument, sampling duration and scale
To measure noise level, the most extensively used instrument is a Sound Level Meter (SLM) which commonly is known as a noise meter.
After selection of instrument, selection of sampling duration and scale is must. With these it is also necessary to consider the parameters which we need to measure like;
Lmax, Lmin, Leq, etc
Comparison with Noise standards
Once we get the monitoring records then we can compare them with standards to understand if noise levels are exceeding the standards and if they are then by how much.
In India, we use standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Noise level Measurement Standards
The below table shows the Noise level Monitoring standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
| Area code | Category of area/Zone | Limits in db (A) | |
| Day Time | Night Time | ||
| (A) | Industrial area | 75 | 70 |
| (B) | Commercial area | 65 | 55 |
| (C) | Residential area | 55 | 45 |
| (D) | Silence zone | 50 | 40 |
Now, we would easily get an idea about noise level in the area we would monitor.
Once, we completely analyse these the next question comes is how to control and bring down the noise levels which are exceeding the permissible levels.
Read more about How to measure noise level measurement at office?
The answer to this question is below:
- Control measures
Any Noise level monitoring or measurement procedure is complete only after the results are analysed and remedies are suggested to bring down the pollution if any.
To minimize the noise levels some simple steps which one can follow at individual levels are;
- Eliminate the source: Once the source is identified, we can try to eliminate the use of it completely.
- Substitution: If removal of pollutant source if not possible, then we can try for substitution of it with the less noise-producing source.
- Isolation: If the above two are not possible, one can try to either isolate the pollutant source or himself from it. For this one can make use of double panelled windows, acoustical tiles, etc.
- If any of the above methods are not effective in lowering noise levels, then one can opt for PPE (Personnel Protective Equipments) like ear muffs, cotton balls, etc.
Also Read more about How to Reduce Noise level at Homes and office
Noise pollution can have a huge impact on our environment and quality of life. But to acquire a better and healthy life one simple thing we all can do is to remember to try to make less noise when we can, not only for our own sake but also for the sake of those who are around you!
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I live in a High Rise unit fronting the Main Road to Surfers Paradise. General traffic noise is not a problem, however the Decibels put out from noisy motorbikes and some cars can be very disturbing. I have recorded on my iPad readings in excess of 125 decibels.
My location is approx 100 Meters back from the Highway and on level 8 of a 22 level high rise. This building is located at a Traffic Light controlled Junction which is the contributing factor. Both Motor Bikes and performance enhanced cars plus excessive speed and accelerating from the traffic lights is generally the cause.
Yes Alan,
We understand it. noise from some cars and bikes can be very disturbing. It can be tackled by using some noise proof glasses for sliding windows to reduce effects.
Hope this helps you. Thanks