The Philosophy, Theoretical Bases, and Implementation of the AHAAH Model for Evaluation of Hazard from Exposure to Intense Sounds
Abstract
The Army has adopted the Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans (AHAAH) as the method of assessing impulsive noise hazards in the MIL-STD 1474 Military Noise Standard (2015). AHAAH is a physiological-dynamics-based advance over nonphysical, wholly empirical, external energy-damage correlation methods for evaluating hearing damage risk associated with impulsive noise exposure. AHAAH applies the physical auditory dynamics of the external, middle, and inner ear, to biomechanically model the ears response to impulsive sound and determine the strain-induced damage occurring in the cochleas organ of Corti. AHAAHs physical dynamics includes observed nonlinear behavior in the middle ear. AHAAH is validated against the measured results of human exposures to impulsive sounds, and unlike wholly empirical correlation approaches, AHAAHs physical basis gives it improved applicability in estimating the auditory risk caused by impulses not previously considered. The Hearing Protection Module of AHAAH allows the evaluation of hearing damage risk for persons using hearing protection when exposed to impulsive noise. The module includes nonlinear hearing protectors as well as many linear protectors. Research and development supporting the creation of AHAAH are described, along with potential approaches for continued improvements in AHAAH and in the assessment of auditory hazards associated with impulsive noise exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1050927
Entities
People
- G. R. Price
- Joel T. Kalb
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory