Soundscapes, human restoration and quality of life

There is increasing interest in the notion that acoustic environments may affect human health, not only at high exposure levels, but also where the acoustic environment is pleasant and of high quality. In this paper we explore the notion that access to high quality acoustic environments may have a role in quality of life. This can be intrinsically, or by way of mediation for people otherwise exposed to adverse environments, through some restorative and health promoting mechanism(s). First the limited literature on soundscapes and restoration, and their interconnection, is discussed. Next, the results of secondary analysis on several data sets are presented. It is concluded that evidence on the intrinsic positive value of areas with high acoustic quality (green-blue areas) for restoration, by way of an immediate pathway, is limited. Temporary respite from environmental noise can mitigate the negative effects on health and wellbeing, but the long-term effects have scarcely been studied. Based on the secondary analysis key determinants of perceived soundscapes and overall evaluation of sound quality in different conditions are presented. Next, the evaluation of overall sound quality and perceived soundscapes is linked to restoration at places which people frequent to relax, socialize or for physical exercise.