This week’s class consisted of a Sound Level Team Field Research Assignment. This was a team field research assignment about sound levels and communication around Brooklyn College campus. Before starting the research, we were given a reference table on Harmful Noise Levels which is a chart of Noise and Average Decibels (dB). The noise levels ranged from the softest (leaves rustling, soft music, whisper) at 30 Average decibels (dB) to the loudest most harmful (gunshot or siren near 100 feet) at 140 Average decibels (dB). The chart is helpful as it gave us a benchmark on which to gauge and understand the differing levels of noise levels while conducting the field research.
The objective of this study was to record and evaluate the effects of noise exposure in five urban soundscapes within and around campus and analyze the noises relation to communication. During the research we recorded data which consisted of location name, time period, purpose or function of the location; activity or activities at the site; recorded the lowest, average and highest decibel (dB) noise levels, types of "noise" observed and lastly recorded the communication activities/acts observed at the location. Overall this assignment was a productive method to evaluate communication and its relation to the variety of types and sources of noise in a selected area and time.
I observed an association between noise exposure and noise perception; this I recognized due to the many times each member differed in opinion on what was considered noise. Nevertheless, we conclude that the use of this assessment clarified the relationship between public communication and noise exposure. Subsequently, through the use of the noise level chart, we examined the long-term effects of each noise to hearing and physical health.
