Abstract

Main noise source in the city of Havana is road traffic, but many noise complaints are connected to a mechanical source and audio exposures as level induced from air conditioners or fun which escapes from entertainment places. Last year some complaints by noise exposure to the so called “noise attacks” were referred by American diplomats. This paper intends to present a sound characterization of possible noise events experienced including audible structure of this acoustic episodes (target sound). Article could contribute to clarify nature of the so-called noise attacks which have worsened the diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. Some recordings of the target sound supplied were assessed and also, background noise was featured through sound level measurements. It was watched that background noise at night is connected several times to presence or absence of crickets calls in green spaces at a residential neighborhood, Western of Havana. Target sound is described on behalf its possible noise level and frequency structure, by two main shapes, one of them reflects a broadband noise with a high pitch overlapped. The other one has no high frequency (pitch). Several target sounds episodes recorded show certain likeness to the background noise with cricket sounds added. Ultrasounds and microwaves are not supported as source of target sounds connected to noise attacks. Sound estimated levels and frequency structure do not support hypothesis of induced health impairment. Sometimes target sound level is weak, close to background. Directional sound seems not able to penetrate isolated built environment.

Keywords

noise attacks, infra-and ultrasound, noise, background sound, sound spectrum, pitch, non-auditory effects