Impulsive noise is typically generated by the rapid release of compressed gases (impulse) or the collision of solid objects (impact) and is defined as the instantaneous change in sound pressure over a short period of time. Considerable research has shown that impulsive noise is more likely to cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than continuous noise of equal energy. Exposure to high-intensity impulses can cause acoustic trauma and instant mechanical damage to the inner ear. Exposure to impulsive noise is common among law enforcement and military personnel (e.g. firearms) and in construction (e.g. nail guns), manufacturing (e.g. forging, stamping), and mining sectors (e.g. roof bolting).

At NIOSH, we often get questions about impulsive noise and the proper techniques for measuring high-level impulses. This blog is the first of a series that we intend to publish on impulse noise measurement, risk characterization, and the best way to protect workers against such exposures. This blog gives background information about impulse noise measurement and guidance based on NIOSH studies and current best practices.

Impulse sound levels, especially those generated by firearms or fireworks, can reach peaks of 170-180 dB Sound Pressure Level (SPL) or higher. Many sound measurement instruments are not capable of accurately capturing such intense sound levels. Type 2 noise dosimeters and sound level meters tend to max out around 140-146 dB SPL. These limitations are highlighted in the article Limitations of Using Dosimeters in Impulse Noise Environments [Kardous and Willson 2004]. Below is an image from that publication using a noise dosimeter taken at a firing range; the green line shows the clipping of peak sound pressure levels above 146 dB SPL. If the peak levels are clipped, then the entire measurement – and metrics such as TWA and Dose – are likely to be compromised.

Some manufacturers offer high-end, Type 1, sound level meters equipped with ¼-inch microphones that can measure impulses up to 160+ dB SPL. But even if a peak sound pressure level can be accurately captured (without clipping), peak level is not even the main metric used to characterize hearing risk from impulsive noise!

Researchers have identified several other metrics that are more closely associated with characterizing the risk of exposure to impulsive noise and have been cited as important factors in determining risk from exposure to impulsive noise [CHABA 1992], they include:

• Total energy in an impulsive waveform
• Initial duration of an impulse, often referred to as A-duration
• The reverberation following the initial impulse such as B, C or D-durations
• The relative high or low-frequency content in an impulse
• The number and temporal spacing of impulses in an entire exposure
• The kurtosis of an impulsive event (a statistical metric that is sensitive to the peak and temporal characteristics of a noise)

Another approach that was recently adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense is the Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans (AHAAH), an electro-acoustic model of the ear that assigns “Auditory Hazard Units” to an impulsive exposure [DOD 2015]. One of the main things we can say at this point is that methods for estimating damage risk criteria from exposure to impulsive noise is an active area for ongoing research.

NIOSH has been investigating the effects of impulsive noise for quite some time now. In 2003, we convened a Best Practices workshop on impulsive noise and published the findings from the various working groups in the Noise Control Engineering Journal under the title NIOSH/NHCA Best-Practices Workshops on Impulse Noise [Kardous et al., 2005].

To address the need for making accurate worksite impulsive noise measurements, NIOSH engineers developed and patented a portable, self-contained impulse noise measurement system . The laptop/tablet based system can be acquired commercially as a self-contained kit in a single case (shown below).