On the study of noise annoyance modifiers for city Dwellers

Annoyance has been identified as the most important psychological impact arisen from noise. Recent studies have shown that individuals having different socioeconomic status and residing neighbourhood characteristics perceive noise differently. To identify the potential modifiers for annoyance, six hundred and twenty four responses were collected through face-to-face interviews via questionnaire surveys. All the responses were analyzed using an ordered logit model with regard to the effects of some potential modifiers on noise annoyance encountered by home dwellers in Hong Kong. The examined factors include individuals' socioeconomic conditions and their own perception of nearby green areas. Results indicate that the respondents' education attainment level, noise sensitivity, self-rated health status and degree of perception of nearby green areas significantly affect the noise annoyance perceived at their homes. It is further reckoned that the perception of nearby green areas, among all the examined factors, exerts a stronger influence on perceived annoyance. The findings should be of paramount value to urban city planners.