Can Smartphones with External Microphones Be Used in Place of Sound Level Meters?

Abstract

Sound and noise are two sides of the same coin, around us during our daily lives. Excessive noise is listed as a public health concern and is one of the most common environmental and occupational exposures. Many municipalities in BC enacted Bylaws to regulate noise, which are enforced by Bylaw Officers and Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).

Noise complaints are addressed by conducting measurements with approved and standardized Commercial Sound Level Meters (SLMs). Smartphone technology has progressed rapidly in the past decade, including the use of external microphones. Studies have been conducted on their use, however, the effects of their use have yet to be fully assessed.