How to make accurate audio noise measurement?

Audio noise measurement is required in many different environments and situations. For example, noise pollution, the intensity of noise being produced in a specific environment, requires measurement to ensure noise pollution is monitored and curtailed. The same can be said in an occupational setting, in which the audio decibel levels, commonly abbreviated to audio db levels, need to be measured and monitored in order to ensure the hearing of workers is not put at risk.
The accurate measurement of audio db levels is therefore imperative in numerous different settings and for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to health and safety standards.

How do we measure audio levels?

Audio noise measurement is typically conducted by audio level meters, also known as sound meters and noise level meters, which measure the decibel levels produced in an area. These hand-held instruments comprise of a microphone, which accurately measure and records sound decibel levels.
An audio level meter is a small device that measures the level of decibels, the unit of measurement that signifies the loudness of a sound, being produced by a particular activity, piece of equipment or process.

Calibration

It is important, not only that the user of an audio level meter understands how to operate these devices and record the audio db levels, but also that the device is calibrated before every use. An audio level calibrator, also known as a sound level calibrator or an acoustic calibrator, is a handheld instrument which emits a highly accurate level and frequency of an audible tone. A calibrator is fitted across the microphone of an audio level meter and the reading of the meter is checked either automatically by the meter or manually by the operator.

Noise level dosimeters are a type of audio level meter, with a principle difference of being a more mobile piece of audio noise measurement equipment. Being worn on the clothing or helmet of an employee, health or safety manager, or another individual, noise dosimeters measure and monitor audio db levels in which the individual is exposed to throughout the whole duration of wearing the noise dosimeter.

This provides an accurate mobile audio noise measurement, which proves particularly invaluable in ensuring audio db levels are measured throughout the whole of a working environment and during the whole of a working day.

Failing to conduct regular and accurate audio noise measurement can create a whole host of problems. One of the principle purposes of audio level meters is to accurately measure noise at work exposure to ensure the noise employees are exposed to throughout a working day does not exceed the limits set by health and safety regulations. Failing to make regular noise at work assessments can result in the hearing of employees becoming damaged and the company responsible for the hearing loss prosecuted for health and safety negligence.

It is therefore imperative that in workplaces regularly exposed to loud noise, regular and accurate audio noise measurement is carried out.