Perceptions and effects of the acoustic environment in quiet residential areas

In quiet residential areas, the absence of daytime noise significantly enhances overall urban environmental perception more than even the sense of security. Road traffic remains the most annoying noise source, but its impact on annoyance and sleep disturbance is lower compared to previous studies with similar sound exposure levels. This study analyzed sound levels and surveyed residents' and passers-by perceptions in Cáceres' old town, revealing that low-intensity noise pollution and characteristic soundmarks like bells and birds also contribute to annoyance despite their positive acoustic environment.

Rey Gozalo, G., & Barrigón Morillas, J. M. (2017). Perceptions and effects of the acoustic environment in quiet residential areas. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 141(4), 2418–2429. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4979335