What does the term 'impulse noise' refer to?

Impulse noise refers to a sudden, brief sound that occurs in bursts or spikes, often resulting from events like explosions, gunfire, or mechanical impacts. This type of noise has a high peak sound level and can be damaging to hearing if exposure occurs repeatedly or at dangerous levels, despite its short duration.

In occupational hygiene monitoring, understanding impulse noise is crucial because it can significantly influence noise exposure measurements. Regular average noise levels may not adequately reflect the potential risk posed by these brief but intense sounds. Assessing impulse noise allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of a worker's exposure to potentially harmful auditory stimuli, ensuring that effective hearing conservation strategies can be implemented to protect workers' hearing health.

This critical understanding distinguishes impulse noise from constant, low sounds or noises that persist throughout the workday, which may pose distinct challenges in monitoring and protecting against hearing loss.