Linking Traffic Noise, Noise Annoyance and Life Satisfaction: A Case Study

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the link between rail and road traffic noise and overall life satisfaction. While the negative relationship between residential satisfaction and traffic noise is relatively well-established, much less is known about the effect of traffic noise on overall life satisfaction. Based on results of previous studies, we propose a model that links objective noise levels, noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, residential satisfaction and life satisfaction. Since it is not clear whether a bottom-up or top-down relationship between residential satisfaction and life satisfaction holds, we specify models that incorporate both of these theoretical propositions. Empirical models are tested using structural equation modeling and data from a survey among residents of areas with high levels of road traffic noise (n1 = 354) and rail traffic noise (n2 = 228). We find that traffic noise has a negative effect on residential satisfaction, but no significant direct or indirect effects on overall life satisfaction. Noise annoyance due to road and rail traffic noise has strong negative effect on residential satisfaction rather than on overall life satisfaction. These results are very similar for the road and railway traffic contexts and regardless of whether the model assumes the top-down or bottom-up direction of the causation between life satisfaction and residential satisfaction.

Railway noise annoyance: Exposure-response relationships and testing a theoretical model by structural equation analysis

“…For instance, noise annoyance acts as a modifier of the association between noise level and cardiovascular problems [61] as well as between noise level and residential satisfaction. [33,35,62] Furthermore, the relationship between noise sensitivity and health complaints was found to be mediated by perceived stress and sleep problems. [63] Nevertheless, there is no empirically tested unifying model considering indirect and reciprocal effects.…”

Community Noise, Urbanization, and Global Health: Problems and Solutions

“…It is the most common effect of noise exposure and most frequently studied metric in noise exposure assessments [ 18 , 29 , 91 ]. Many factors infl uence noise annoyance, such as age, stress level, noise sensitivity, and the type of noise source [ 30 ]. Children, the elderly, and people with preexisting illness, such as depression, are especially vulnerable [ 31 ].…”

Noise annoyance and loudness: Acoustic performance of residential buildings in tropics

“…3 However, acoustic factors are usually accorded little attention during project planning and designing stages. 4 Designers primarily focus on the functionality and aesthetics but ignore the acoustic comfort afforded by a building.…”