Listening Test Methodology for Building Acoustic Issues (en)
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Sound insulation measurements can accurately characterize the physical attenuation of outdoor sounds by the façade. Nevertheless, to understand the influence of the attenuation on our perception, further investigations are necessary. Listening tests provide a framework for evaluating the perception of sound in a controlled laboratory environment. In literature, a number of publications use listening tests to study the subjective assessment of sound insulation. However, among these, few have focused on the impact of the methodology on their studies. This work presents the progress and preliminary investigations in developing a listening test methodology for evaluating the influence of façade sound insulation on the perception of outdoor noises. The available test environment and equipment are interpreted according to the principles of ecological validity. The statistical design of the experiment is discussed, and in addition, different response collection methods were employed in small-scale pre-tests to compare their suitability and performance. Lastly, based on these pre-tests, a minimum requirement for the number of test subjects is put forward. In conclusion, this work encompasses the entire experimental design of a listening test for the perceptual evaluation of sound insulation.