The characteristics and control strategies of aircraft noise in China

Aircraft noise pollution is a common challenge faced by the world. In China, this problem has drawn more and more attention from the local government and general public, as the average growth of aviation capacity exceeds 10% every year. Therefore this review paper aims to investigate the characteristics of China’s aircraft noise, the underlying reasons for noise complaints, and the negative impacts of aircraft noise on human health. It is found that there is an increase, on average, of 3% hearing loss per exposure year in China. Aircraft noise can also bring potential damages to other physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular system. Along with the fast development of the aviation industry, complaints arising due to the disturbance of aircraft noise have occurred more frequently in China. For the residents living in the vicinity of the airport, aircraft noise can induce their annoyance at different levels, and it has been revealed that the areas and populations influenced by aircraft noise are predicted to grow steadily with the flight increase and airport expansion. Comparatively, Chinese residents might be more easily annoyed by aircraft noise. The differences among typical international aircraft noise standards and regulations, and the existing problems are also summarised. Finally this paper further explores the appropriate strategies for the reduction of aircraft noise, as well as the preventative legislation for the future.