The statistics of the low frequency hearing threshold indicate that about 10% of the population may have a threshold that has 10 dB or greater sensitivity than the median (50%) threshold, indicating that low frequency noise may cause difficulties for a small number of people.

Low frequency noise has been accepted in some European countries as a problem for which regulation is required and about one-fifth of the enlarged EU total of 25 have national methods for assessment of low frequency noise, some of which are used by other countries. The regulations are mostly limited to low frequency noise in the home, although one country does adapt the limits to commercial premises.

Limits for low frequency noise levels in homes can be an indicator of what is required in offices and other work places.

Units: Dual