G9: Evaluating Mixed Gaussian-Impulse Noise Environments

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Room: 284 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

Many industrial hygienists are familiar with exposure assessment for Gaussian, random/continuous, noise using full shift dosimetry for comparison agist the OSHA PEL or the ACGIH TLV. Some industrial hygienists may also be familiar with the evaluation of impulse noise sources such as firearms or nail guns using the AHAAH Model. However, there is a paucity of knowledge when it comes to mixed Gaussian-Impulse environments in how to evaluate risk of hearing loss since the damage mechanisms and the measurement systems are different for these two noise regimes.

This presentation will tackle this challenge in three parts:
1. Primer on damage models for impulse and continuous noise sources
2. Practical limitations of measurement systems
3. Putting it all together: evaluating the mixed environment

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Recognize mixed Gaussian-impulse noise environments.
• Differentiate the damage mechanisms of Gaussian and impulse noise.
• Identify the appropriate equipment parameters for evaluating mixed noise environments.
• Analyze dosimeter results for mixed noise environments using Kurtosis analysis to adjust the OEL and combining impulse and continuous noise doses into a single dose value. 

Advanced

Exposure Assessment

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Exposure Assessment

Hearing conservation and noise reduction

In-person

OnDemand

Professional

Case Studies

Practical Application