Development of a conceptual framework for a new international standard on non-acoustic factors

The human response to a sound environment is influenced by factors that interlink the person, activity, and place. These factors are often referenced as discrete elements of the "context" in soundscapes, and as "non-acoustic factors" within the noise and health community. Despite their importance, researchers and practitioners tend to use different terminology and methods for investigating them, which complicates evidence synthesis and recommendations for designing healthier sound environments. Since 2022, Working Group 68 within ISO TC 43/SC 1 has been developing a new Technical Specification to standardise the definition and use of such non acoustic factors. Part 1, due for publication in 2025, will include a definition and a conceptual framework. As part of this work, we conducted a rapid scoping literature search to assist in the development of the conceptual framework. Fourteen articles were shortlisted, which were used to draft a framework that reflects the definition of non-acoustic factors, including its main categories (personal, psychosocial, tangible/environmental, and situational) and the moderating and mediating role of non-acoustic factors on the human perceptual and affective response (emotional and behavioural) and associated health outcomes.