Characterization of sound sources
Acoustics and buildings — Definitions and regulations

Noise is a mixture of low- and high-pitched sounds, with a frequency range of low frequencies from 16 to 200 Hz (bass), medium frequencies from 201 to 2,000 Hz and high frequencies from 2001 to 20,000 Hz (treble). The frequencies considered in building acoustics are between 100 and 5,000 Hz.

This collection of sounds, transmitted by airborne vibrations, can be characterized by intensity, frequency (low or high) and duration (exposure time). Sensitive, the human ear prefers medium frequencies, between 200 and 2,000 Hz, and of the same intensity. It tolerates low-pitched sounds more easily than high-pitched ones.