ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF SOUND LEVELS IN AUDITORIUM OF THE NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY

This study was conducted basically to assess the noise levels in Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Three campuses where selected for this research work namely CHS campus, Main campus and New site campus. Using a sound level meter that had been factory adjusted, the institution monitored the noise levels in its lecture halls. The Main Campus Auditorium's noise levels vary from 76.7 to 95.7 dB(A), with a mean value of 90.9 dB(A), according to the study's findings and an ambient value of 70.5dB(A), For new site, the noise level ranges from 50.4- 68.4dB(A), with mean and ambient values of 65.5 dB(A) and 56.7dB(A) respectively, while for college of Health Sciences the noise levels range from 79.5- 96.7dB(A) with a mean value of 91.6dB(A) and an ambient value of 68.5dB(A). On comparing the noise level for the various auditorium, College of Health Sciences (CHS) has the highest noise level value of 96.7dB(A) at the main gate in day 4, followed by main campus at 95.7dB(A) at the side gate in day 3 while the new site auditorium has the least noise value at 68.4dB(A) at the side gate at day 4. These noise levels when compared to World Health Organization’s recommended standard level of 75dB(A) shows that Main campus auditorium and CHS auditorium noise levels were high, and this could have advance effect on the students. This study offers a straightforward way for routinely assessing the noise levels in various settings while raising awareness of the effects of noise in schools and learning facilities