Equivalent Sound Pressure Level Research Articles

A study on optimizing public spaces in rural heritage tourist sites from spatial perception: The case of Jinggang historic town

The development of cultural and rural tourism has fostered the expansion of heritage sites while concurrently presenting challenges such as resource wastage and cultural degradation. Optimizing spatial use requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics inherent to these sites. An emerging trend involves the integration of human perception technology into spatial perception research. Thus, to examine the correlation between alterations in physical and visual environments, tourists’ perceived changes, and primary influencing elements in rural heritage tourism sites, Jinggang – a historic and cultural town in Changsha, Hunan province, China – was selected as the research site. A comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis was conducted by integrating physical environment data from public spaces. These data include air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), equivalent sound pressure level (ESPL), visual environment data (including green view index [GVI], sky view index [SVI], road and pavement view index (R&PVI), and construction view index [CVI]), along with biosensing data (level of stress [LS]) collected from tourists. The findings indicate the following: (i) the LS of the public space in Jinggang falls within the normal range but remains generally high, with the humanistic landscape, dominated by traditional architecture, scoring higher than the natural landscape; (ii) regarding spatial perception, the quantity of physical environment elements influencing LS surpasses that of visual environment elements, and the most relevant indicators, including ESPL, R&PVI, and CVI, all contribute to tourists’ LS; and (iii) ESPL significantly influences LS within the environment domain, where higher environmental noise decibels correspond to tourists’ increased LS. The study concludes that historic towns possess distinct characteristics as types of rural heritage tourism sites. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing spatial environmental quality and promoting an appealing and sustainable rural setting by implementing public space optimization strategies in rural heritage sites.

Auditory Effects of Acoustic Noise From 3-T Brain MRI in Neonates With Hearing Protection.

Neonates with immature auditory function (eg, weak/absent middle ear muscle reflex) could conceivably be vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss; however, it is unclear if neonates show evidence of hearing loss following MRI acoustic noise exposure. To explore the auditory effects of MRI acoustic noise in neonates. Prospective. Two independent cohorts of neonates (N = 19 and N = 18; mean gestational-age, 38.75 ± 2.18 and 39.01 ± 1.83 weeks). T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence, T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-tensor imaging, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-kurtosis imaging and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence at 3.0 T. All neonates wore ear protection during scan protocols lasted ~40 minutes. Equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured for both cohorts. In cohort1, left- and right-ear auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured before (baseline) and after (follow-up) MRI, included assessment of ABR threshold, wave I, III and V latencies and interpeak interval to determine the functional status of auditory nerve and brainstem. In cohort2, baseline and follow-up left- and right-ear distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were assessed at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz to determine cochlear function. Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-tests with Bonferroni's correction were used to compare the differences between baseline and follow-up ABR and DPOAE measures. Equivalent SPLs ranged from 103.5 to 113.6 dBA. No significant differences between baseline and follow-up were detected in left- or right-ear ABR measures (P > 0.999, Bonferroni corrected) in cohort1, or in DPOAE levels at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz in cohort2 (all P > 0.999 Bonferroni corrected except for left-ear levels at 3.5 and 7.0 kHz with corrected P = 0.138 and P = 0.533). A single 40-minute 3-T MRI with equivalent SPLs of 103.5-113.6 dBA did not result in significant transient disruption of auditory function, as measured by ABR and DPOAE, in neonates with adequate hearing protection. 2. Stage 5.

Effect of concurrent exposure to noise and hand-transmitted vibration on auditory and cognitive attention under simulated work with construction tools

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent exposure to occupational noise and hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) on auditory and cognitive attention. Methods. The experimental study was conducted with 40 construction workers who were exposed to noise (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of 90 dB) and to HTV (10 m/s2 at 31.5 Hz), and concurrent exposure to both for 30 min under simulated work with vibrating equipment used in construction. Cognitive performance aspects were then evaluated from each individual in two pre-exposure and post-exposure settings for each session. Results. The effect sizes of concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and separate exposure to noise on auditory attention were very close (effect size = 0.648 and 0.626). The largest changes in the difference of response time in both types of attention (selective and divided attention) were related to the concurrent exposure scenario and then exposure to HTV, respectively. The highest effects for the correct response of selective and divided attention are related to concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and then noise exposure, respectively. Conclusion. The HTV effect during concurrent exposure is hidden in auditory attention, and noise has the main effects. The divided attention was more affected than the selective attention in the different scenarios.

Effects of thermal and acoustic environments on human comfort in urban and suburban campuses in the cold region of China.

In this study, we investigated the effects of thermal-acoustic environments on human comfort in a cold region by focusing on Xi'an in China as a representative city. Four typical open spaces were identified within two universities, with one located in an urban area and the other in a suburban area. Surveys were conducted using questionnaires and environmental parameters were measured to assess thermal-acoustic perception. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and noise sound pressure levels were employed to measure the thermal-acoustic environments in the four open spaces. The results showed that the neutral PET was 19.1°C in Xi'an from March to May, and the neutral temperature range was 14.9-23.4°C. The preferred temperature was 20.0°C. Acoustic sensation votes were lower in suburban areas than urban areas. Respondents in urban areas exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to the thermal and acoustic environments compared with those in suburban areas. Sensitivity to the thermal environment decreased as the environmental noise levels decreased. The temperature perceived as most suitable increased as the sensitivity to the thermal environment decreased. Acoustic comfort evaluations were generally higher in colder and warmer environments. Warmer environments heightened the sensitivity to the acoustic environment and this effect gradually decreased as the sound pressure levels increased. Thus, based on empirical analyses, we compared the effects of outdoor thermal-acoustic parameters on comfort to provide experimental data support for further outdoor thermal comfort research.

Acoustic stimulation of the human round window by laser-induced nonlinear optoacoustics.

The feasibility of low frequency pure tone generation in the inner ear by laser-induced nonlinear optoacoustic effect at the round window was demonstrated in three human cadaveric temporal bones (TB) using an integral pulse density modulation (IPDM). Nanosecond laser pulses with a wavelength in the near-infrared (NIR) region were delivered to the round window niche by an optical fiber with two spherical lenses glued to the end and a viscous gel at the site of the laser focus. Using IPDM, acoustic tones with frequencies between 20Hz and 1kHz were generated in the inner ear. The sound pressures in scala tympani and vestibuli were recorded and the intracochlear pressure difference (ICPD) was used to calculate the equivalent sound pressure level (eq. dB SPL) as an equivalent for perceived loudness. The results demonstrate that the optoacoustic effect produced sound pressure levels ranging from 140eq. dB SPL at low frequencies ≤ 200Hz to 90eq. dB SPL at 1kHz. Therefore, the produced sound pressure level is potentially sufficient for patients requiring acoustic low frequency stimulation. Hence, the presented method offers a potentially viable solution in the future to provide the acoustic stimulus component in combined electro-acoustic stimulation with a cochlear implant.

Study on impact of robotic-assisted orthopaedic industrial noise (SIREN).

The aim of this study was to evaluate noise exposure to the operating room staff consisting of the surgeon, assistant, anaesthetist and Mako Product Specialist (MPS) during Mako robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aimed to determine whether employees were exposed to noise at or above a lower exposure action value (LEAV) set out by the Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK. We prospectively recorded intra-operative noise levels in Mako robotic-arm assisted TKA and THA over a period of two months using the MicW i436 connected to an iOS device (Apple), using the Sound Level Meter App (iOS) by the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH). Data obtained was then used to calculate "worst case" daily exposure value to assess if sound levels were compliant with UK guidelines. Comparison between operating room staff groups was performed with ANOVA testing. A total of 19 TKA and 11 THA operations were recorded. During TKA, for the primary surgeon and the assistant, the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) was over 80 dB, exceeding the LEAV set out by the Noise at Work Regulations by HSE. During THA, the average LAeq and peak sound pressure levels did not exceed the LEAV. The calculated daily exposure for the primary surgeon in TKA was 82 dB. A Tukey post hoc test revealed that LAeq was statistically significantly lower in the anaesthetist and MPS (p < .001) compared to the primary surgeon and assistant in both TKA and THA. Operating room staff, particularly the primary surgeon and assistant are exposed to significant levels of noise during Mako robotic-arm assisted TKA and THA. Formal assessments should be performed to further assess the risk of noise induced hearing loss in robotic-arm assisted arthroplasty.

Coupling Different Road Traffic Noise Models with a Multilinear Regressive Model: A Measurements-Independent Technique for Urban Road Traffic Noise Prediction.

Road traffic noise is a severe environmental hazard, to which a growing number of dwellers are exposed in urban areas. The possibility to accurately assess traffic noise levels in a given area is thus, nowadays, quite important and, on many occasions, compelled by law. Such a procedure can be performed by measurements or by applying predictive Road Traffic Noise Models (RTNMs). Although the first approach is generally preferred, on-field measurement cannot always be easily conducted. RTNMs, on the contrary, use input information (amount of passing vehicles, category, speed, among others), usually collected by sensors, to provide an estimation of noise levels in a specific area. Several RTNMs have been implemented by different national institutions, adapting them to the local traffic conditions. However, the employment of RTNMs proves challenging due to both the lack of input data and the inherent complexity of the models (often composed of a Noise Emission Model-NEM and a sound propagation model). Therefore, this work aims to propose a methodology that allows an easy application of RTNMs, despite the availability of measured data for calibration. Four different NEMs were coupled with a sound propagation model, allowing the computation of equivalent continuous sound pressure levels on a dataset (composed of traffic flows, speeds, and source-receiver distance) randomly generated. Then, a Multilinear Regressive technique was applied to obtain manageable formulas for the models' application. The goodness of the procedure was evaluated on a set of long-term traffic and noise data collected in a French site through several sensors, such as sound level meters, car counters, and speed detectors. Results show that the estimations provided by formulas coming from the Multilinear Regressions are quite close to field measurements (MAE between 1.60 and 2.64 dB(A)), confirming that the resulting models could be employed to forecast noise levels by integrating them into a network of traffic sensors.

Decision made, good feelings fade? How noise and multitasking affect decision confidence and well-being

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the influence of office noise and multitasking on decision confidence, overconfidence, satisfaction, calibration and affective well-being. Detrimental effects of noise and multitasking on perceived annoyance and concentration are well documented. Little is known about whether decision confidence and well-being during decisions are also affected. Methods. The study was a between-subjects laboratory experiment (n = 109) involving a noise condition with office noise presented through headphones (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of LA eq = 60 dB), a multitasking condition with an email-sorting task as the primary task and a control condition. Results. Compared to the control condition, subjects in the noise and multitasking conditions exhibited overestimation of confidence. There was also a significant decrease in well-being for people in the noise condition. Calibration was not affected. Conclusion. In the case of noise, well-being is affected even before the thresholds of workplace legislation are reached. Undue overconfidence can have detrimental effects upon subsequent decisions and risk-taking. Findings suggest that there should be greater consideration of environmental influences during decision-making in work environments.

Acute effects of military aircraft noise on sedative and analgesic drug administrations in psychiatric patients: A case-time series analysis

BackgroundExisting evidence suggests that psychiatric patients are highly noise sensitive, and that noise exposure increases the risk for adverse mental health outcomes, such as psychiatric hospitalizations and even suicide. To investigate acute effects of noise in this vulnerable population, we assessed short-term associations between fighter jet noise and on-demand sedative and analgesic drug administrations in a psychiatric clinic located close to a military airfield in Switzerland. MethodsWe applied a case time series analysis with an hourly time resolution using distributed-lag models. Analysis was adjusted for long-term and seasonal trends, day of week, time of day, time-varying weather conditions and the week of stay. Noise exposure (hourly A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (LAeq)) was modelled using detailed flight plans and noise footprints for different fighter jet and route combinations. Outcome data were available from the clinic’s records. OutcomesDuring the study period (06/2016–12/2021), 23,486 flights occurred. 5,968 clinical stays with a median length of 41 days (IQR: 28d, 50d) were recorded. The odds ratio (OR) for medication administration over the lag period of 3 hours after exposure was 1.016 (95 %CI: 1.006, 1.026) per 10 dB LAeq for sedatives and 1.032 (95 %CI: 1.016, 1.048) per 10 dB for analgesics. Effects were larger in multimorbid patients. InterpretationCase time series analysis is a novel method to investigate transient associations in observational data while minimizing risk of bias. Using an objectively recorded outcome measure, our results demonstrate that psychiatric patients are a vulnerable population, in which noise exposure can lead to symptom exacerbations and adverse events.

Annoyance penalty due to the spectrum shape of wideband noise

Environmental noise exposure is usually evaluated by measuring the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level, LAeq [dB]. However, it cannot alone explain the resulting noise annoyance. It is common to apply penalties, such as +5 dB correction, to measured LAeq when the noise contains annoyance accentuating features, such as tonality or impulsiveness. Although previous studies suggest that the noise spectrum also influences annoyance, and spectrum is easy measure, the need of penalty due to spectral shape of noise has not been studied. Our study investigated the relationship between spectral shape and annoyance. The purpose was to determine whether spectrum-related penalties should be integrated with measured LAeq values. We conducted a psychoacoustic laboratory experiment involving 40 participants. We collected their annoyance ratings for 23 spectrally different steady-state wideband noises presented at three LAeq levels, 32, 40, and 48 dB. In addition, annoyance ratings were collected for a spectrally neutral reference noise played within 28–60 dB in 4 dB steps to enable the determination of penalty. The annoyance strongly depended on the spectrum of noise, for all three LAeq levels. Higher concentrations of sound energy in high frequencies were associated with increased annoyance ratings across all three LAeq levels. The penalty values of spectrally modified noises varied within −2 to +12 dB. The penalty values exhibited minimal dependence on LAeq. That is, the same spectrum-related penalties were valid at least within 32–48 dB. Our findings suggest that noise spectrum also deserves a penalty procedure to better explain human perception of noise.

Real-time Noise Risk Assessment as Preventive Action to Occupational Disease in A Pharmaceutical Industry

Noise is a form of dangerous exposure that occurs around humans because of sound sources from industrial machines, work equipment, alarms, transportation equipment, etc. Continuous exposure to noise with noise levels higher than 85 dBA can lead to psychological and psychological health problems. The aim of this research is to identify the intensity of noise in the pharmaceutical industry and to map the noise to humans. Noise evaluation began by conducting a survey of conditions on the production floor by arranging a production floor layout accompanied by the location of machines and other work facilities. The next step was to determine the size and number of networks that would help in identifying interference measurement points. It took around 100 points to identify interference and then measurements were carried out using a noise meter with 6 repetitions per point. The equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) was calculated first before being used as input to the Surfer software to obtain interference on the production floor. The research results showed that there were 100 points spread across 12 workstations in this drug manufacturing industry. The results showed that there were 19 points that received interference ≥ 85 dBA. The areas with the biggest disturbances were the EPM machine area, spooling machine, and slitting room.

The radiation from railway wheel modes and their effect on loudness, sharpness, and equivalent pressure level

The noise of railway wheels is one of the main contributors to railway rolling noise. Auralization, the rendering of sound fields from virtual sources, is a promising tool for studying rolling noise, as it enables the study of perceptual qualities of noise. Generating such sound fields based on physical models requires knowledge of the structural vibrations and radiation characteristics of the wheels. The vibration and radiation of a railway wheel are typically dominated by highly undamped modes. The amplitudes of the various modes depend on the roughness excitation and the contact position of the wheel on the rail. For auralization, it is relevant to investigate which modes are significant in reproducing the equivalent sound pressure level (SPL), as well as psychoacoustic quantities. Identifying significant modes can also help simplify the physical model. This article explores the influence of lateral contact positions on wheel radiation and analyzes the modal contributions to pass-by SPLs. Using a timedomain prediction model for the sound pressure produced by one wheel as it passes a stationary track side position, the psychoacoustic quantities loudness and sharpness were investigated. The smallest number of modes required to reproduce equivalent pressure levels and psychoacoustic quantities is identified for two contact positions. For simplicity, the discussion is limited to one wheel, surface roughness, and vehicle speed. The results show possible simplifications in auralization models and can enable noise mitigation with a focus on psychoacoustic parameters.

Association of prolonged occupational co-exposures to electromagnetic fields, noise, and rotating shift work with thyroid hormone levels

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of prolonged occupational co-exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs), noise, and rotating shift work with the levels of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). From 2016 to 2017, we enrolled all male workers without a history of thyroid disorders and followed them until 2020. To measure ELF-EMFs and noise exposures, we calculated the 8-hour equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq) and the 8-hour average of ELF-EMFs, respectively. Shift work schedules involved 8-hr fixed day and 8-hr clockwise 3-rotating night schedules. The participant’s thyroid hormone levels were obtained from blood test results in their medical records. The percentage change in the levels of T3, T4, and TSH was estimated by using different mixed-effects linear regression models. The TSH levels were significantly elevated per a 10-dB increment of noise. The levels of T4 hormone were significantly changed per a unit increase in the levels of ELF-EMFs. Compared to the fixed-day workers, we observed workers exposed to shift work had a significantly lower T4 level. For T4 and TSH hormones, we found significant interactions among noise, ELF-EMFs, and shift work variables. In summary, this study warranted that prolonged exposure to ELF-EMFs, noise, and rotating shift work might be associated with thyroid dysfunction.

Comparison of the Declared and Simulated Real-Use Noise Data during Wood Sanding Using a Hand-Held Power Sander

The hand-held power sander is a frequently used tool in woodworking, and it is a significant source of risk in terms of dust, vibration, and, notably, noise. The purpose of a hand-held power sander manufacturer’s noise emission statement is to provide information that is useful for assessing the risks associated with noise exposure and should assist users in selecting a hand-held power sander with reduced noise emissions. The stated levels of emitted noise obtained in accordance with a harmonized test procedure may not, in all circumstances, give a reliable indication of the actual risk of noise exposure during the typical use of a hand-held power sander. The aim of this work was to investigate the difference between the values declared by the manufacturers of hand-held power sanders and the measured noise values during actual use. The measurements of the equivalent sound pressure levels were carried out using an integrating–averaging sound level meter (B&amp;K, model 2245) during the sanding of beech and spruce wood with different types of hand-held electric sanders (belt, random orbital, and orbital) with abrasives of coarse, medium, or fine grit. Upon comparing the measured and declared noise values, differences ranging from −6.3 dB to 19 dB(A) were identified for distinct sander types. The results of this study show that the use of declared noise emission values during risk assessments underestimates the magnitude of operator noise exposure.

Psychological and physiological evaluations of time-varying noises produced by air conditioners

Air conditioners are widely used in buildings to maintain thermal comfort for long time. Air conditioners produce sounds during operation, and air conditioners are regarded as one of the main noise sources in buildings. Most sounds produced by the air conditioner do not fluctuate over time and sound quality of the steady sounds produced by the air conditioner have been evaluated. However, air conditioners sometimes produce time-varying noises. Customers criticizes such noises are annoying when they sleep and they spend time quietly in the living room. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that significantly influence the psycho-physiological response to the time-varying noises produced by air conditioners. We assessed the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) and factors extracted from the autocorrelation function (ACF). Subjective loudness, sharpness, annoyance, and electroencephalography (EEG) were evaluated. Relationships between psychological and physiological responses and physical parameters, LAeq, the ACF factors, and their standard deviation, were determined. The LAeq and peak of the first maximum peak of the ACF were identified as significant factors for the time-varying noises.

Environmental controls of air-conditioned noise with the aid of the Psychoacoustics Perception Scale (PPS)

It is known that an air-conditioning system is an essential component of modern buildings for maintaining good indoor environmental quality. However, the adverse effect due to air-conditioned noise can offset its benefits. Although several noise indices such as Noise Criteria (NC), Noise Rating (NR), Room Criteria (RC), and A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) have been developed to assess the acceptability of indoor noise environments, the noise feature of the environments and its psychological impacts on the occupants are not comprehensively evaluated. Psychoacoustics Perception Scale (PPS) is a psychometric tool to assess the psychological impacts about general judgment (Evaluation, E), sensitivity to the magnitude (Potency, P), and sensation of the temporal and spectral compositions (Activity, A) of noise on occupants. This study aimed to evaluate the air-conditioning building environments by using the traditional noise indices, psychoacoustic metrics, and the PPS. The significant correlations were found between the objective and subjective data. The results of the study provided the useful knowledge on future designs of the environmental controls of air-conditioned noise.

A Statistical Analysis of Robust Cicada Noise Level

When cicadas are chirping loudly during the traffic noise measurements in summer, it is difficult to obtain the correct traffic noise level. In the previous study, there were few reports on cicada noise levels, and the reports showed that the levels were uncertain, for example, as the cicada noise reached around 56 dB in the forest. Our aim was to investigate the details of the noise levels of robust cicadas. We measured the sound pressure level of the cicada noise in a free field. In addition, they were measured some features; the noise waveform, body length, total length and weight. The waveform was estimated to the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) at 1 m per a cicada, where the level was extracted while the cicada sounds violently. The measurement data included of the levels of 77 cicada noises for statistical analysis. The type of LAeq distribution was normally distributed, and the mean value was 73.1 dB (standard deviation = 3.5 dB). The cicada measurements were normally distributed for body length, total length, and weight. However, there were no correlations between the LAeq and body length in the scatter plot results.

Variations in sound environment in an urban apartment building: A case study during and after the COVID-19 lockdown

Quiet communities, which are encouraged to maintain a harmonious and tranquil urban living environment, have attracted increasing attention in designing method in recent years. The relevant residential standards specify quiet thresholds with regard to noise pollution issues. However, the variation in height across floors of high-rise buildings and variation with time in sound environments have not been examined in detail. The city of Shanghai experienced a city-wide lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19, showing evidence of quietness and a significant reduction in anthropogenic noise. Here, we conducted noise monitoring in a 14-storey apartment building that was surrounded and shielded by other buildings in a typical urban community during and after the lockdown. The mean value of all 14 floors of equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,T) after lockdown was systematically greater than that during lockdown, with differences of 3.6 and 3.1 dB during the daytime and night-time periods, respectively. We suggest that in practice, it is useful to consider the specific floor or time of day.

A mini review of the Chinese literature on noise maps

According to the recently published 'Noise pollution prevention and control action plan' by the Chinese government, all the prefecture-level cities should achieve acoustic environmental quality monitoring for the functional areas. The noise map is essential for noise monitoring, evaluation and regulation. This paper reviews the Chinese literature on noise maps in the past three decades, particularly concerning noise indexes. Most studies adopted A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq), whereas a few investigated noise pollution index (NPI), noise impact index (NII), and index of noise evaluation model (ANEM) by considering the influence of different functional areas, the distribution of people, and both, respectively. However, studies are mostly based on sound energy parameters and rarely have considered the differences in subjective discomfort for the dynamic evolvement of changing populations among different areas and periods. The appropriate noise evaluation index for noise maps, which can reasonably reflect the influence of noise on people in various functional areas, merits further research. Recommendations for future work in this area are presented.

Risk of noise-induced hearing loss in the spine surgeon

Occupation-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has both negative economic and quality of life implications. The risk spine surgeons undertake in regards to NIHL during operative intervention is unknown. Governing bodies, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, have recommended exposure limits not to exceed 85 decibels (dB) over 8 hours. The purpose of this study is to characterize noise exposure to spine surgeons in the operating room (OR). Prospective collection of intraoperative recordings of spinal surgeries (cervical and thoracic/lumbar) was undertaken. Data gathered included procedure, operative duration, presence of background music, and noise information. Noise information included maximum decibel level (MDL), Peak level (LCPeak), Equivalent continuous sound pressure level, time weighted average (TWA), dose, and projected dose. Noise measurements were compared with baseline controls with and without music (empty ORs). Two hundred seven noise recordings were analyzed. One hundred eighteen of those being spinal surgeries, 49 baseline recordings without music, and 40 with music. Maximum decibel level reached a maximum value of 111.5 dBA, with an average amongst surgical recordings of 103 dBA. Maximum decibel level exceeded 85 dBA in 100% of cases and was greater than 100 dBA in 78%. The maximum LCPeak recorded was 132.9 dBC with an average of 120 dBC. Furthermore, the average dose was 7.8% with an average projected dose of 26.5%. The highest dose occurred during a laminectomy at 72.9% of daily allowable noise. Maximum projected dose yielded 156% during a 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Spine surgeons are routinely exposed to damaging noise levels (>85 dBA) during operative intervention. With spine surgeons often performing multiple surgeries a day, the cumulative risk of noise exposure cannot be ignored. The synergistic effects of continuous and impact noise places spine surgeons at risk for the development of occupation-related NIHL.