Annoyance ratings for impulse and traffic sounds presented in quiet surroundings

In the laboratory, annoyance ratings for gunfire and traffic noise presented at indoor equivalent levels (Leq) of 35 to 56 dB(A) were determined. The gunfire noise was presented with quiet intervals in between the sound bursts. Background noise was not audible. Gunfire noise is rated more annoying than traffic noise. This difference increases with decreasing sound level. A penalty for impulse noise should be level dependent, ranging from 13.5 dB at an indoor Leq of 35 dB(A) to 4.4 dB at a Leq of 56 dB(A). Level dependence of the penalty for impulse noise, as derived from the annoyance ratings, is supported by data based on verbally labeled degrees of annoyance.