Comparison of A-weighted Auditory Risk Criteria with Octave-Band Estimates.
Abstract
The recent trend toward adoption of A-weighted sound levels to identify degrees of auditory risk has prompted investigations to determine modifications which must be made when applying the A-weighted method to specific noise environments. This report compares recently proposed criteria based on A-weighted sound levels with critical limits based on octave-band data as proposed by Working Group 46 of the Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics of the National Academy of Sciences--National Research Council. The use of C--A as a correction factor to equate dBA levels with octave-band assessments is discussed. Noise conditions within the cockpits of fixed- and rotary-wind aircraft were used as the basis for the comparisons. Results indicate that use of A-weighted sound levels for estimating potentially hazardous exposures of the type encountered in aircraft must be approached with caution for two reasons: (1) Spectrum content of a given noise influences the degree of auditory risk associated with single values of dBA, and (2) the relationship between duration and intensity of noise is curvilinear, rather than linear as assumed by the Walsh-Healey Act provisions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0731154
Entities
People
- Donald C. Gasaway
- Harrell C. Sutherland Jr.
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine