Practical Applications of Basic Research on Impulse Noise Hazard
Abstract
To assess impulse noise hazard accurately, procedures should be based on the physiological mechanisms underlying hearing loss. Information from basic research studies is relevant in three areas. First, there is a spectrally dependent 'critical level above which loss mechanisms change from a mode that is probably metabolically based to one that is mechanically based. Stimulation at and above this second mode should be avoided. Second, in spite of the regulatory trend ignoring the time pattern of stimulation, studies continue to indicate at that intermittency ameliorates the effect of noise, producing less effect for a given amount of energy in the exposure. Lastly, a variety of sources can be interpreted as indicating that meters designed to rate hazard should have: a rise-time capability in the vicinity of 20 microseconds; a dynamic range of over 100 dB; and employ a frequency weighting function such as A-weighting, although the shape is not critical due to the relatively sharp tuning of the ear and the generally flat noise spectra commonly encountered in the work place. Keywords: Inpulse noise; Hearing loss; Dosimeter; Critical level; Noise hazard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA160432
Entities
People
- G. R. Price
Organizations
- Human Engineering Laboratory