Measures to reduce low-frequency noise in houses using sound-absorbing materials

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a heightened social awareness of the problem of so-called low-frequency sound below approximately 100 Hz. The most effective countermeasure against low-frequency sound is considered to be a sound source countermeasure, but its implementation is not always easy. Therefore, this study focused on so-called ‘indoor countermeasures’ that can be implemented inside the house where low-frequency sound enters the room. An experimental building was used to verify the possibility of reducing 100 Hz sound to a certain level by installing sound-absorbing materials inside the room. In this report, a prototype wooden sound absorber, which can be made by DIY, made of perforated board with a back air cavity, was tested. As a result, it was confirmed that the sound pressure level in the room was reduced by about 10 dB on average, suggesting the possibility of measures to reduce low-frequency sound in the house.