[Comparative study of the perception of urban noise].
OBJECTIVE
To comparatively analyze the perception of daily urban noise between residents of an acoustically and a non-acoustically controlled area.


METHODS
Two urban areas were selected through objective assessments of equivalent sound levels and defined as a non-acoustically and an acoustically controlled area. A random sample of each area was selected and a questionnaire was applied to its residents. Statistical indicators of urban noise perception were generated through factorial multivariate analysis.


RESULTS
The average sound level (Leq) found in the downtown district (a non-acoustically controlled area) was 72.9 dB(A) and in the acoustically controlled area was 53.3 dB(A). Three statistical indicators were generated through factorial multivariate analysis: temporary perception, perception of atypical noises and sources and disturbances.


CONCLUSIONS
Residents of the acoustically controlled area reported increased noise level. The sound level in the downtown district has remained practically constant and much above the standards established by local law. The generated indicators are useful parameters to characterize the perception to continuous noise exposure in the population.
Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Laboratório de Acústica Ambiental--Industrial e Conforto Acústico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
Elaine Carvalho
EC
da Paz
Andressa Maria Coelho
AM
Ferreira
Paulo Henrique Trombetta
PH
Zannin
D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010465:Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health