Acoustic Annoyance Modelling in Backhoe Loader Based on Sound Qualitative Metrics

In addition to harmful effects on the physical health of people, noise pollution can also create annoyance conditions for those who are exposed to it. Therefore, in addition to evaluating the sound quantity parameters, it is absolutely essential to examine the sound qualitative parameters in the work environment. In this research, the sound qualitative metrics of the HEPCO backhoe loader were evaluated. The acoustic annoyance model of the tested machine was determined using loudness, sharpness and fluctuation strength. The coefficient of determination of acoustic annoyance model and jury test was 0.93. Also, the acoustic annoyance model from this study was compared with two unbiased and psychoacoustic annoyance models. The results of this comparison showed that the proposed model changes in the gear ratios are not identical with the other two models. Therefore, by measuring the sound of the machine and extracting its quality metrics, it can calculate the acoustic annoyance inside the cabin.