Sound environment evaluation and categorization of audible sounds - the first survey of the human response to the sound environment in Muscat city (Oman)

Sound environment represents a challenge to architects, acoustic engineers and civil engineers in the city of Muscat, the capital of Oman, however there are possibilities today to plan good quality and quiet environments in it. A wide survey in five areas of the city has been accomplished with the objective of evaluating responses of the residents towards the problems of the environmental sound in the present time. In this study acoustical measurement in the five areas that are widely affected by noise contamination have been performed. Statistical analysis of the survey has been carried out with emphasis on certain aspects, one of which is the present conditions of sound environments and the variation in the reactions of residents to their environment. Additionally, out-door sound environment conducted over 24 hours period is evaluated. Likewise, an international comparison of sound environment at residential sites in Muscat city and Yokohama city has been made. The main results showed that the acoustic pollution in the city of Muscat (Oman) is one of the highest concerned environmental problems and caused mainly by road traffic, moreover the study showed that indigenous sounds to Muscat city such as the Azan (the call for prayer), and Festivals sounds have a particular effect on the population. The result of the comparison in both cities indicate that the distribution of audible sounds is quite different.