What does a 'slow' response in sound measurement indicate?

A 'slow' response in sound measurement indicates that the instrument is designed to average the fluctuations in sound levels over time, providing a more stable reading that is particularly useful for assessing sound exposure levels. This feature is important because it allows for the discernment of general trends in noise levels rather than responding to every brief spike or drop in sound intensity.

In occupational hygiene, a slow response time helps in evaluating conditions of continuous noise exposure, which is more relevant for assessing potential health impacts on workers, such as hearing loss, as opposed to capturing transient variations that do not contribute significantly to long-term exposure. By focusing on a stable reading, the measurement gives a clearer picture of the environmental noise conditions over a given period rather than being influenced by high frequency or momentary sounds.