General Approach to Forensic Acoustics

Abstract

Forensic acoustics is that portion of the science that pertains to, is connected with, or is used in courts of law. The measurement of the acoustic environment of workers alleged to have suffered hearing loss is widely applied. Tentative ratings have been determined [The Relations of Hearing Loss to Noise Exposure, ASA Rept. Z24-X2] for octave-band levels of continuous spectra and sound-pressure levels of pure tones that should not be exceeded in order to avoid permanent hearing damage. As attorneys and insurance adjusters become more knowledgeable and as claims become more complex, other areas must be explored. Persons are frequently required to preceive speech or other signals in noisy environments. Failure to detect required signals may result in accidents that cause personal injury or property damage. Product liability cases may arise as a result of products that fail in such a way as to cause an unusually high noise level. A general approach has been developed for planning the measurement, analyzing the accident, and presenting the data in a form understandable to attorneys, adjusters, juries, and the court.