Glossary

This term is used by noise researchers to described the observation that people react differently to a change of noise exposure than it would be expected based on the noise level. For example, they will feel more disturbed after an increase of the noise than others who have been consistently exposed to the same noise. The disturbance perceived may even increase before the noise actually rises. In reverse, people may feel overproportionally relieved when the noise reduces.

Confounding occurs when a phenomenon depends on two or more conditions that are mutually influencing. If, for example, we want to investigate whether frequent tooth brushing prevents tooth decay in children, it would not be sufficient merely to examine the brushing behaviour and the dental status. This is because children who frequently brush their teeth are most likely actively encouraged to do so by their parents (few of them do it of their own accord). The same parents will probably allow their children fewer sweets. It could be that the healthier teeth are not due to frequent brushing but to a healthier diet. We can only find this out by examining both.

The Consortium for the NORAH Study is made up of the scientists conducting the study as a team.

The equivalent continuous sound level (in short: LpAeq) is a measure for the average noise exposure over a certain period in which frequency, duration and level of the individual sound events are taken into account. The LpAeq is the basis for the determination of noise protection zones pursuant to the aviation noise act – separated according to day (6 – 22 hrs) and night (22 – 6 hrs). The LpAeq is stated in decibels (dB).

Every scientific study investigating how something affects people needs control persons. These persons are not affected or affected only to a minor degree by this “something” – e.g. noise or certain diseases. This allows scientists to compare differently affected groups and measure the effects of their investigation subject on people.