SmarterNoise 1.034

SmarterNoise is a high-quality sound level meter app that offers a variety of unique features. It provides precise measurements of sound levels in both video and audio modes, allowing you to record and analyze sound and video data. Additionally, SmarterNoise offers valuable information on the potential risks associated with noise exposure. Furthermore, it includes a built-in camera, location measurement, and easy sharing options, all at no cost. The app also provides an archive feature where you can conveniently access and view your saved video and audio files. With its advanced capabilities, SmarterNoise takes sound level and noise measurement to an unprecedented level of accuracy and convenience.

One of the standout features of SmarterNoise is the use of smart icons that dynamically respond to the measured sound levels. These icons are based on current research findings that focus on the impact of noise pollution on health and well-being. By using these icons, users can easily understand how different levels of noise exposure can affect their hearing, cognitive performance, and overall health. With growing global awareness of the harmful effects of noise, particularly in urban settings with high levels of noise pollution, SmarterNoise provides users with crucial insights into potential risks to their well-being.

Key Features of SmarterNoise:

• Precise sound level measurement and recording in both video and audio modes
• Sound-activated recording function
• Multiple video resolution options: Full HD, HD, or VGA
• Three video quality settings to choose from
• Zoom and camera light functions for enhanced recording capabilities
• Ability to restart measurements as needed
• Convenient archive for easy access to saved files
• User-friendly file sharing options
• Calibration feature for accurate measurements
• Intuitive smart icons that provide insight into the potential health effects of different noise levels
• Location and time/date display for precise documentation
• 10-second and 60-second sound level average measurements (LAeq, decibel)
• Maximum and minimum decibel level tracking

When it comes to measuring noise and sound, the unit of measurement used is the decibel (dB). Since the decibel scale is logarithmic, a sound with twice the intensity of a reference sound corresponds to an increase of about 3 decibels. The reference point for 0 decibels is set at the intensity of the least perceptible sound, which is known as the threshold of hearing. This scale means that a sound that measures 10 decibels is 10 times more intense than the reference sound. It's important to highlight these differences as even a few decibels can significantly affect how we perceive noise.

The term "Leq" is used to describe the average sound energy over a period of time. When measuring sound levels, it's common practice to use A-weighting, which attenuates low and high frequencies that are not typically heard by the average person. In this case, Leq is written as LAeq. LAeq is a calculated average that emphasizes higher sound peaks and is one of the most commonly used measurements by professionals in the field of noise measurement. All averages provided by SmarterNoise are measured using LAeq.

Health effects related to noise are often measured using Lden. Lden measures the average sound level over a 24-hour period and incorporates penalties for evening and nighttime hours. Specifically, it adds a 5 dB penalty during evening hours (19:00-22:00) and a 10 dB penalty during nighttime hours (22:00-07:00). Long-term exposure to noise has been associated with increased health risks. This reinforces the importance of considering the full average sound energy over an extended period rather than just temporary averages or noise peaks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems, following the impact of air quality. While awareness of environmental issues has increased in general, the public's understanding of the burden of noise pollution has not yet caught up. People, especially those living in urban environments, are exposed to noise on a daily and nightly basis, both at home and at work. The prevalence of noise pollution has been on the rise due to factors such as increased traffic, air travel, urbanization, and industrial noise exposure. SmarterNoise was developed as a response to this ongoing issue, aiming to help individuals gain a better understanding of noise and its effects.