Instrumentation, Measurement, and Assessment Techniques

Abstract

There were two significant themes in this session. One was that new electronic technologies allow more complex noise-rating criteria to be instrumented as practical, relatively inexpensive devices. It was suggested that it is no longer necessary to use the A-scale reading of a sound-level meter in place of a direct loudness measurement. A new loudness meter was proposed that includes a set of octave-band filters and is somewhat more complex than the present sound-level meter. Another device was discussed that simulates the TTS effect in normal hearing and can be conveniently worn. It would be used to assess the probability of hearing damage in a given noisy environment. In another paper, it was shown that a relatively simple analog circuit will detect the rms level over a wide dynamic range. The other theme of the session was the measurement of vehicle pass-by noise. Four papers considered various aspects of the measurement problem. Equipment must automatically monitor and collect data and it must be designed for continuous unattended use in adverse environments.