Standards for noise measurement

Abstract

The thrust toward a quieter environment at work and at play has spurred many manufacturer's and trade associations to consider standardizing methods and procedures for the measurement of noise within their respective industries. Because the general methods and detailed procedures applicable to noise measurements are very much dependent on the intended end use of the noise information, there can be no single universally applicable noise measurement standard even if there was complete scientific consensus. The various factors comprising the makeup of a noise measurement standard are discussed and the applicability of the available alternatives to the different types of end use situations is illustrated. Among the more important factors discussed are sound pressure versus power measurement, single number rating versus rating by frequency bands, type and control of acoustical environment during measurement, measurement location, instrumentation precision, and statistical accuracy. A compendium of some of the recent noise measurement standards is presented and comparisons of the standards are made according to approaches taken in the above factors. The discussion and focusing of the various approaches should provide some assistance in the drafting of standards.