[Disturbances caused by noise in offices]

Noise measurements were carried out in 57 offices. At the same time 228 employees were asked about their opinion on the noise situation. Relations between objective and subjective criteria, noise values and complaints about disturbance caused by different types of noise were analyzed. Noise parameters comprising noise peaks are more adequate to assess disturbing noise than parameters based on a mean noise level. Statements on extent and frequency of disturbance in general and of communication depend on noise. Statements on disturbances of concentration and on impairment of performance do not depend on noise. Outdoor noise and "subjectively worst noise" are measurable in dB values; indoor noise, however, is independent from the measured values.