Adaptation to changes in aircraft noise exposure

Changes in the pervasiveness of community annoyance associated with a series of major changes in aircraft noise exposure in the vicinity of an airport with appreciable air carrier traffic were assessed. Repeated rounds of interviews at intervals of several weeks were conducted in four neighborhoods near the airport before and after the changes in exposure. Attempts were made, both in person and by telephone, to administer a brief and direct questionnaire to adult residents of all affected households in each neighborhood while concurrent long term noise exposure measurements were being made. Findings include substantial immediate effects of exposure changes, while suggesting the time course of adaptation to aircraft noise exposure.