Subjective dominance as a basis for selecting frequency weightings.

The objective of this paper is to propose and illustrate a simple approach for the selection of frequency weightings for the assessment of environmental and transportation noise. In recent years, the A-frequency weighting has become almost universal except where existing standards and regulations mandate the use of alternative weightings and/or frequency summation procedures, but even where this has been based on extensive research, no real consensus has been achieved. The proposed approach is based on the concept of subjective dominance, which does not always conform to the physically dominant frequencies identified by the A- or other frequency weightings and summation procedures used in measurements and/or predictions. The proposed approach is illustrated by the results of a limited series of five listening tests that clearly demonstrate that no single objective frequency weighting or summation procedure is capable of providing the best-fit to subjective responses across a range of different contexts. Subjective dominance varies across different listening contexts and situations, and should, therefore, be considered whenever noise management and control decisions are being made. The proposed approach will naturally require further research because of the wide range of different contexts and situations in which it might need to be applied.