Aircraft noise levels survey and its effect on residents of Muscat City, Oman

Muscat is the capital of Oman with urban population. Apart from the positive changes Muscat has progressed for the past 35 years, the city must also encounter with some serious environmental problems such as pollution from aircraft noise. Living close to airports has been suggested to increase the risk of developing hypertension, although the scientific evidence is limited. Field measurements were carried out to determine noise levels at various positions at the airport during aircraft landing and take-off. The surrounding residents' perceptions on the noises were also investigated using semi-structured interviews. Workers and house keepers are exposed to noise levels that could affect their health. Preliminary results from a recently completed study on 500 people,35-70 years of age suggested a relationship between aircraft noise exposure among residents close to a'Seeb International airport and incidence of hypertension and high blood pressure in Muscat city, the relationship appeared somewhat stronger among female. The survey has brought about a hypothesis in which it can be given that the high annoyance and sleep interference in the areas located near the a'Seeb International airport in Muscat city may be mainly caused by the frequent aircraft sounds. The survey has provided the initial look over the community response to aircraft noise in Muscat.