The Impact of A-Weighting Sound Pressure Level Measurements during the Evaluation of Noise Exposure
This paper describes how there have been large advances in the ability to measure sound and understand its effects on humans since the 1930s. Despite this, a vast majority of acoustical measurements that are done today still use the methods originally developed 70 years ago. The use of A-Weighted sound pressure measurements is so common that their use is rarely questioned, even by those taking the measurements. This paper recounts the initial development of sound weighting curves in order to show the original intent of the weighting curves. Then, research into discrepancies between A-Weighted sound levels and subjective evaluations will be done along with detailing research that shows effects of noise that are not obvious using the A-Weighting scale. Finally, some alternate methods of measuring and reporting sound will be discussed in the paper.
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Corporate Authors:
Institute of Noise Control Engineering
Iowa State University, 210 Marston Hall
Ames, IA United States 50011-2153 500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- Richard L St Pierre Jr
- Maguire, Daniel J
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Conference:
- Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering
- Location: Baltimore Maryland, United States
- Date: 2004-7-12 to 2004-7-14
- Publication Date: 2004
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: CD-ROM
- Features: Figures; References;
- Pagination: pp 702-708
- Monograph Title: Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Acoustic measuring instruments; Acoustics; Human factors; Noise barriers; Noise sources; Sound; Sound absorption; Sound level meters; Sound transmission
- Uncontrolled Terms: Noise measurement
- Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I15: Environment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01054316
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, TRB
- Created Date: Jul 26 2007 9:55AM