Moreover, the data could be useful in determining safe noiselimits for other ocean-based equipment as well, ranging from offshore oil rigs to wind turbines to ocean freighters.
Mr Lambourne said the airport's promise of reduced night-time flights and a fining system for aircraft which breached noiselimits, offered as a response to the consultation, was "spin".
John Stewart, chairman of the UK Noise Association in London said the study echoed anecdotal reports from people living under flight paths who said even when levels were within recommended safety limits, noise could still be bad for your health.
Just as grain size in silver halide film ultimately limits the amount of detail you can see in a photograph, the background noise produced by the sensor does much the same in digital imaging.
The government currently limits the number of night flights, places restrictions on the noisiest aircraft and sets noise quotas - but these regulations need to be renewed.