LAeq8h

LAeq8h is a noise level measurement metric used to determine the long-term average sound level of a particular environment. It is an extension of the A-weighted decibel (dBA) scale, which prioritizes sound frequencies that are most pertinent to human hearing.

The LAeq8h measurement refers to the average sound level in decibels over an 8-hour period, rounded to the nearest whole number. The "A" weighting, as opposed to the "C" weighting, takes into account the sensitivity of the human ear to different sound frequencies, with more weight given to frequencies between 20 Hz and 8 kHz.

LAeq8h is often used in environmental noise assessments to quantify noise pollution and its potential impact on human health and well-being. This metric is commonly used in industrial and commercial settings, where noise can be an issue for nearby residents or workers.

LAeq8h is just one of several international standards for noise measurement. The most widely recognized standards organization is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), however other bodies such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have developed their own guidelines and regulations.

The use of LAeq8h is often required by local noise regulations, and is often a requirement for environmental impact assessments and noise control plans.