dB-meters, A-weighting and Safe Noise Levels...?

Discussion in 'Support' started by Sjoerd, Sep 11, 2014.

    1. Sjoerd

      Sjoerd Member

      Tinnitus Since:
      09-2013
      Hi to all,

      Some of you might know that the dB scale is a relative scale, it is alway compared to some kind of reference level. If we consider the normal pure tone hearing test, 0 dB would simply mean the average hearing threshold of a healthy population. Since the sensitivity of human hearing greatly varies with frequency I can only imagine that the pure tone audiometry is corrected for that. (A-weighted). Correct?

      I used a dB-meter in my car to check the noise levels. Overall the noise levels (at highway speeds) is under 75 (near the driver window) dB. But, the dB meter used A weighted filtering. If I used a flat weighted filter I would read some where near 95 dB. For comparison, if I use the dB meter in our sound insulated room it read about 26 dB(A) or 46 dB(flat). I am either easily below the 80 dB safety limit of 8 hours per day or way above it.

      Now for the question...the industry safety limit of 80 dB A-weighted or flat? I guess it is alway A-weighted, but I am not sure.

      I also learned that smartphone app dB meters are useless.
       
    2. Jay M
      Thinking

      Jay M Member

      Location:
      South Carolina, USA
      Tinnitus Since:
      4/4/14
      My understanding is dB(a) is what is used for industry and any thing else in regards to human ear and sound levels.
       
      • Agree Agree x 1
    3. davidchampoux
      No Mood

      davidchampoux Member Benefactor

      Location:
      Quebec City
      Tinnitus Since:
      03/2011
      Cause of Tinnitus:
      Music, viral? ...
      Bump to this question. I want to know too please.
       
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