ABSTRACT

The noise-load is characterised by the noise-level combined with the duration of the individual bursts of noise, their frequency, and the subjective sensitivity of the people within hearing. Bakare asserts that Nigeria is considered as one of the noisiest countries in the world, as reported in a survey carried out by him. There are two main sources of noise, namely: natural and artificial. Artificial noise constitutes noise generated from transportation, industrial, commercial, domestic, social and religious activities. Fixed sound barriers, obstacles, embankments, cuttings, and buildings create considerable reduction of sound in their sound-shadow, and have very great potentials for keeping down noise near arterial roads. Aircraft noise constitutes one of the biggest sources of noise in areas with very busy flight schedule. Noise-deafness occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to loud noise; and it is also dependent on the pitch of the associated sound. The distinction between the 'noise-load' and the annoyance resulting from it is of great importance.