Discomfort prediction model for impulsive noise in household refrigerator

Abstract

This study presents the development of a predictive model for auditory discomfort specifically aimed at impulsive noise from compressors and household refrigerators, such as cracking and knocking noises. The model was created using the Impulsivity Prediction Metric (IPM), designed to quantify the auditory sensation of impulsivity in acoustic signals. Impulsive sound samples were analyzed in terms of the time parameters that define IPM, and subjective jury tests were conducted to assess discomfort levels using psychoacoustic metrics such as Loudness, Sharpness, and IPM. The results indicated that impulsive sounds present higher discomfort levels, with mean IPM values exceeding 6 dB/Bark in specific critical frequency bands, particularly from 10 up to 20 Bark. Compared with existing models from the literature, the proposed model demonstrated significant improvements in capturing the discomfort caused by impulsive noise, highlighting the importance of considering impulsivity-specific metrics. Moreover, the correlation analysis between subjective discomfort ratings and the model’s predictions revealed a strong positive correlation, with a Pearson coefficient of 0.93, highlighting the reliability of the model. The results validate the effectiveness of IPM as a robust tool for predicting auditory discomfort from impulsive noise, providing valuable insights for noise control and product design applications in the refrigeration and home appliance industries. The model’s accuracy in addressing impulsive sound events sets it apart from traditional approaches, providing a more accurate representation of human auditory perception in response to impulsive noise sources.