A loudness evaluation test of environmental noises with complex frequency characteristics: a comparison of A-weighted sound pressure level and Moore-Glasberg loudness level

Noises generated from HVAC systems and machinery have complex frequency characteristics that include various frequency components such as tonal components. In order to evaluate and cope with these environmental noises appropriately, it is necessary to apply a noise evaluation index that fits well with psychological responses. In this study, the authors focused on loudness, the most primary aspect of psychoacoustics, and conducted a evaluation experiment using actual recorded sounds. The results of the loudness evaluation were examined using two noise evaluation indexes: A-weighted sound pressure level and Moore-Glasberg loudness level dictated by ISO532-2. As a result, the Moore-Glasberg loudness level showed better agreement with the evaluated loudness regardless of the type of the sound stimuli.