Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 09:24, 22 September 2018

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Combatants in every branch of the United States’ military are at risk for auditory impairments from steady state or [[Impulse_noiseImpulse noise (audio)|impulse noises]]. While applying double hearing protection helps prevent auditory damage, it may compromise effectiveness by isolating the user from his or her environment. With hearing protection on, a soldier is less likely to be aware of his or her movements, alerting the enemy to their presence. Hearing protection devices (HPD) could also require higher volume levels for communication, negating their purpose.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last1=Amrein |first1=Bruce |title=NOISE LIMITS FOR WARFIGHTING Recently Revised Standard Addresses Noise from Military Operations |url=http://synergist.aiha.org/201611-noise-limits-for-warfighting |website=thesynergist |accessdate=3 July 2018}}</ref>

The first military standard (MIL-STD) on sound was published in 1984 and underwent revision in 1997 to become MIL-STD-1474D. In 2015, this evolved to become MIL-STD-1474E which, as of 2018, remains to be the guidelines for United States’ military defense weaponry development and usage. In this standard, the Department of Defense established guidelines for steady state noise, impulse noise, aural non-detectability, aircraft and aerial systems, and shipboard noise. Unless marked with warning signage, steady state and impulse noises are not to exceed 85 decibels A-weighted (dBA) and, if wearing protection, 140 decibels (dBP) respectively.<ref name=":0" />