Physiological response by construction noise according to temporal characteristics

Many people who live in the city are exposed to environmental noises such as transportation, aircraft, and construction noises. Especially a construction noise is the most hazard noise source because it generally presents high sound pressure levels and is difficult to reduce in a downtown area. In this regard, individuals experience different levels of stress when exposed to the same sound pressure level because of different noise sensitivity among individuals. Because a sound pressure level that only presents physical information of noises does not consider various individual noise sensitivity, a more effective means to understand individual responses toward noises is required. In this regard, this study investigated individual physiological responses, such as electroencephalogram, electrodermal activity, heart rate, and blood volume pulse, toward construction noises to better understand the impact of construction noises on urban populations. By presenting different individual physiological responses toward impulsive and tonal construction noises, the results of this study showed a potential of physiological monitoring in understanding different individuals' responses toward noise stressors