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10/09/2015  |   9:45 AM - 11:00 AM   |  Andrew Foster Auditorium

Validation of smart phone apps as an environmental noise monitoring tool and its application in Abuja city noise mapping.

Background: Noise is a global occupational and environmental health hazard with considerable social and physiological impact. There is need for regular measurements to boost monitoring and regulations of noise levels in our communities. This necessitates a readily available, inexpensive and functional noise measuring device.
Objective/Aim: To assess the validity of mobile phone as noise monitoring tool and also measure the equivalent noise level(Leq) in Abuja municipality with this simple method.
Methods: Phase1- A comparative analysis of a cross sectional study was done between January 2014 and February 2015. Noise levels were measured simultaneously at different locations within Abuja Nigeria at day and night hours in real time and uncensored environments. A sound level meter (Extech407730 Digital Soundmeter, Serial no:2310135, calibration no:91037) and three smartphones (Samsung Galaxy note3; Nokia S and Techno Phantom Z running on Android “Apps” Androidboy1) were used. Statistical calculations were done with Pearson correlation, T-test and Sensitivity within ANSI acceptable standard errors.
phase 2-This validated phone App(Android boy1) was used to map the noise levels within the Abuja municipality (residential, business and market areas) via the Abuja Geographic Information System.
Results: Phase1- Noise level readings for both daytime and night with the SLM and mobile phone showed equivalent values. The daytime readings were exactly the same in six (6) locations and the maximum difference in values between the two instruments was 3db, noted in two (2) locations. Readings in dBA showed strong correlation(r= 0.9) within acceptable error limits for Type 2 SLM devices and no significant difference in the values (p ? 0.12 & 0.58) for both day and night. Sensitivity of the instrument yielded 92.9 %.
Phase2- LeqD ranged 71-92dB(A); 42-79dB(A) and 69-90dB(A) in business/parks, residential and market places respectively. The Night measurements were similar 18dB(A)-56dB(A) and the day-night Leq(A)=77.2dB(A) and 90.4dB(A) for residential and business zones.
Conclusion: The androidboy1 “app” performance in this study showed a good correlation and comparative high sensitivity to the Standard Sound Level Meter (type 2 SLM device).
Finally, The night noise levels are satisfactory but the day and day-night levels are above the recommended tolerable values by WHO and therefore urgently calls for awareness and legislative regulations in Abuja Nigeria.

• Androidboy1 “app”, Smartphones, Sound Level meter, Equivalent Noise levels

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Titus Ibekwe (POC,Primary Presenter,Author), University of Abuja, Nigeria, ibekwets@yahoo.com;
Titus S.IBEKWE MD,FWACS, FMCORL, FICS is an Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology in the College of Health Sciences University of Abuja and an Honorary Consultant at the UNIABUJA Teaching Hospital. His field of interest is on Preventable Hearing Loss and Infectious Diseases. Titus has over 40 publications in local and international journals to his credit. An advocacy of good clinical practice and Legislation, he is currently the National Vice President of Nigerian Medical Association, Chairman Legislative committee of the same body & members Infectious disease Committee of the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngolgy Head & Neck Foundation.