Effect of background levels on community responses to aircraft noise

The effect of variations in background noise levels on community reactions to aircraft noise has been investigated by using questionnaire and sound level data collected at a stratified random sample of residential sites in the vicinity of Toronto International Airport. The effects of variations in background noise (24 hour Leq) on both individual and aggregate responses to aircraft noise have been examined. The response variables considered include annoyance, activity interference and complaints. The results of various statistical analyses show that the effect of background level is generally not significant. These findings are consistent with relevant findings from previous laboratory studies, but not with those from previous field studies.