Development of a subjective loudness rating scale

Objective: In an earlier study (Beach et al, 2012), detailed noise exposure measurements were obtained through individual dosimetry. In this further analysis of the data we ask the question "Can the effort required to converse in noise be used to estimate the experienced A-weighted noise level?" Design: The noise levels experienced during specific activities were obtained from the analysis of dosimetry results from personal noise exposure meters worn by study participants. The measured noise levels from particular events were compared to a subjectively judged 'loudness rating' reported by the person wearing the dosimeter during the measured event. Study sample: Volunteers (females = 20, males = 22) between 18 and 35 years (average age = 26.8) willing to wear dosimeters and keep a simple activity log. Results: The relation between the objectively measured and the subjectively judged levels was consistent for the group over a large number of events. Conclusions: The subjective loudness rating index was shown to be a convenient tool that can be utilized for the retrospective estimation of noise levels from individual activities.