As such, simply moving away from the noise (if possible) is a way to control our noise exposure level. Every time you double the distance between the source and a person, the noise decreases by 6dBA. OSHA echoes this, as it suggests initially controlling or monitoring exposure. It states that we should attempt to decrease sound exposure or eliminate the noise first. Interestingly, NIOSH advises that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the least effective solution to noise exposure. This 85 dBA value is set at an 8-hour TWA (Time Weighted Average), meaning hearing conservation measures should be implemented if a worker is exposed to an average of 85dBA across an 8-hour shift. OSHA and NIOSH both set 85dBA as their limit for safe noise exposure. This is because our ears are less sensitive to low-frequency noises, meaning there’s less potential for harm. OSHA is run by the Department of Labor, and NIOSH by the CDC.īoth use A-weighted decibel systems, meaning sounds with lower frequencies have reduced values. Second is NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. First is OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In the US, 2 official bodies monitor workplace safety. It’s particularly useful if you need to assess bass performances of entertainment systems or musical setups.Ĭheck out this resource to know more about noise weighting. dBC records highs and lows with more ponderation. It’s also the most common measurement unit. As such, dBA is more representative of what we would hear. A noise measured in dBA doesn’t give as much weight to the high and low frequencies, just like our ears. To deal with this inequal perception, noise measurement come with two main measurement units: dBA and dBC. While they do a good job distinguishing noise between 0.5 and 8 kHz, they don’t respond as well under 0.5 kHz and above 8 kHz. Human ears don’t perceive noise levels equally across the audible frequency range. As you can probably guess, this is why we have exposure limits, hearing protectors, and NRR. According to the CDC, the level at which damage can happen is 80-85dB after 2 hours of exposure.Īt 100dB, hearing damage is possible within 15 minutes, and at 120dB or more, it’s pretty much immediate and guaranteed. Sounds can cause damage to our ears, although the speed at which this happens depends on noise level and sound exposure time.
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