Highlights Actual distance attenuation affects physiology and subjective evaluation. Artificial distance attenuation can affect some physiological indicators. Artificial distance attenuation has a weak effect on subjective evaluation factors. Too many low-frequency components in sound may lead to physical discomfort. Physiological indicators were more sensitive to the characteristics of sound.

    Abstract This study examined the influence of different distances of traffic noise and sea sounds on physiological indicators and subjective evaluation. Scene re-creations employed three types of distance: actual close sounds (close to the sound source recorded on site), actual distant sounds (distance attenuation recorded on site) and artificial distant sounds (reduction of the same decibel level across frequencies). Participants displayed higher heart rate, amplitude of the R-wave (ΔR), heart rate variability, respiration rate, and skin conductance level (SCL) when close to the sound source. Actual distance attenuation affected most subjective evaluation factors (except for Familiarity and Excitement). The ΔR, electroencephalography alpha reactivity, and electroencephalography beta reactivity with actual distant sounds were lower and SCL was higher, relative to those with artificial distant sounds. These findings provide a reference for governments and urban planners when working to improve quality of life in urban areas.


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    Title :

    Influence of distance from traffic sounds on physiological indicators and subjective evaluation


    Contributors:
    Li, Zhongzhe (author) / Kang, Jian (author) / Ba, Meihui (author)


    Publication date :

    2020-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English