Low frequency sounds in dwellings:A case control study

The purpose of this study is to systematically assess the level and spectral distribution of low frequency (LF) sounds in dwellings. Measurements of broad and narrow hand sound levels have been made in 36 Dutch dwellings in 1998. In 19 dwellings there were complaints about LF noise, in 17 others no complaints had been reported. According to measured broad band and spectral levels complainants' dwellings can he divided into three categories with considerable', 'some' and 'no' LF sound. Measured levels and scores on proposed LF noise criteria in complainants' dwellings as a group however are not significantly from dwellings without complaints. In cases dwellings more narrow hand LF components are present, hut on average at a lower level compared to controls' dwellings.