Analysis of Aircraft Noise Sensitivity at an Urban Airport Using the Concept of a Reference Noise Level

This study investigates individual noise sensitivity to change in aircraft noise levels for residents living near Fukuoka airport, which has proposed a capacity expansion plan. To understand better peoples' perception of aircraft noise, the authors introduced a reference point (RP) concept into analysis of noise sensitivity. A field survey consisting of social questionnaires and an innovative headphone interview system were carried out to assess general noise perceptions, annoyance and loudness sensitivities, and indoor noise levels. Different statistical analyses including structural equation modeling (SEM) and Tobit regression were performed. It was found in SEM that there was a reduction in annoyance sensitivity due to an increase in perceived aircraft noise level. Further, results from Tobit regression-based RP indicated that people are more sensitive to decrease in noise level than they are to an increase. Being less sensitive to a larger aircraft noise implies an escalation in noise-accustomed levels.