We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

159 Hearing Protection: Basic
Skip to main content

Noise Survey Instruments

Basically, there are two different instruments to measure noise exposures: the sound level meter and the dosimeter.

Sound level meters are easy to use and inexpensive.

Sound Level Meter (SLM)

A sound level meter is a device that measures the intensity of sound at a given moment. Since sound level meters provide a measure of sound intensity at only one point in time, it is generally necessary to take a number of measurements at different times during the day to estimate noise exposure over a workday. If noise levels fluctuate, the amount of time noise remains at each of the various measured levels must be determined.

Sound level meters can be used to:

  • Spot-check noise dosimeter performance.
  • Determine the employee's noise dose whenever use of a noise dosimeter is unavailable or inappropriate.
  • Identify and evaluate individual noise sources for abatement purposes.
  • Aid in determining the feasibility of engineering controls for individual noise sources.
  • Evaluate hearing protectors.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-9. Which type of measurement instrument measures sound intensity at a given moment?