Aviation Noise Effects

This report summarizes the effects of aviation noise in many areas, ranging from human annoyance to impact on real estate values. It also synthesizes the findings of literature on several topics. Included in the literature were many original studies carried out under FAA and other Federal funding over the past two decades. Efforts have been made to present the critical findings and conclusions of pertinent research, providing, when possible, a 'bottom line' conclusion, criterion or perspective. Issues related to aviation noise are highlighted, and current policy is presented. Specific topic addressed include: Annoyance; Hearing and hearing loss; Noise metrics; Human response to noise; Speech interference; Sleep interference; Non-auditory health effects of noise; Effects of noise on wild and domesticated animals; Low frequency acoustical energy; Impulsive noise; Time of day weightings; Noise contours; Land use compatibility; and Real estate values. This document is designed for a variety of users, from the individual completel unfamiliar with aviation noise to experts in the field. Keywords include: Helicopters; and Environmental impact.