Noise

Abstract

A large amount of research has been performed on the effects of noise on humans. Established or commonly used criteria exist for the effects of noise on speech communication, hearing loss, sleep, concentration, and “annoyance”. These have provided a basis for the guidance provided in this chapter. A detailed discussion of the effects of noise on human performance, health, and comfort may be found in Kryter (1994) The Handbook of Hearing and the Effects of Noise: Physiology, Psychology and Public Health. In this chapter, noise criteria have been selected to improve crew performance and to facilitate communication and sleep in appropriate vessel spaces. An additional goal is to enhance crew safety and comfort. In this instance, “comfort” means the ability of the crew to use a space for its intended purpose with minimal interference or annoyance from noise. The noise criteria presented in this chapter is lower than the levels commonly associated with hearing loss.