Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS)

Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) was developed to measure individual differences in sensitivity to noise. Noise sensitivity, as a personality trait, is considered an antecedent of noise annoyance. Weinstein (1978) developed the Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) as a unidimensional, self-report measure of sensitivity to noise. The scale is composed of 21 items addressing affective reactions and attitudes to both general noise and daily environmental sounds. Individual sensitivity is seen as lying on a continuum ranging from high to low. Highly sensitive individuals are more sensitive to, and react more negatively to, perceived noise than their less sensitive counterparts. The scale has been used across a number of contexts and cultures and has been translated into a number of languages. Overall, it possesses a strong validity and reliability portfolio.