Occupational standards specify a maximum allowable daily noise dose, expressed in percentages. The OSHA PEL for noise is 90 dBA as an 8-hr TWA based on a 5-dB exchange rate. OSHA sets legally-enforceable permissible exposure limit (PEL) that require employers to take actions to reduce worker exposures. Exposures at or above this level are considered hazardous. The REL for noise is 85 decibels, using the A-weighting frequency response an 8-hour average, usually referred to as time-weighted average (TWA). NIOSH establishes recommended exposure limits (REL) for various hazards on the basis of the best available science and practice. In addition, the app can serve as a research tool for scientists and occupational safety and health professionals to collect noise exposure data and promote better hearing health and prevention efforts. The app can serve as a tool to raise workers’ awareness about noise in their work environment and help them make informed decisions about the potential hazards to their hearing. NIOSH hearing loss researchers collaborated with an app developer, EA LAB, to create an iOS based sound level meter app that measures and characterizes occupational noise exposure similar to professional instruments. During our studies, we realized that most of the apps on the market are oriented at the casual user and lack the accuracy and functionality necessary to conduct occupational and general purpose noise measurements. In addition to damaging workers’ quality of life, occupational hearing loss carries a high economic price to society. NIOSH estimates that there are 22 million workers who are exposed to hazardous noise levels every year. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app has met the requirements of IEC 61672:3 (Periodic Testing) sound level meter standard when used with external calibrated microphone. Note: Professional sound level meters must comply with a host of acoustical and electrical tests to meet national and international standards. If location services are enabled, the app can utilize the GPS feature to provide an exact geospatial location of the noise measurement. In addition, the app allows the user to save and share measurement data using the smartphone other communication and media features. The app also contains some basic information on noise and hearing loss prevention. The app also reports the main metrics that are of importance for proper occupational noise measurements – mainly the run time (total time), the A-weighted Equivalent Sound Level (LAeq), the Maximum Level measured during the current run time, the C-weighted Peak Sound Pressure Level (LCpeak), the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) and Dose. The weighting is user-selectable and can be accessed in the “Settings” screen. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app has many important features, it provides a readout of the sound level using the built-in microphone (or external microphone if used) and reports the instantaneous sound level in A, C, or Z-weighted decibels. Verifying the accuracy and functionality of an Android-based app is not currently possible in the NIOSH lab. Capability to calibrate either internal or external microphone.
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