Journal article
An inexpensive sensor for noise
Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, Vol.15(5), pp.448-454
05/04/2018
DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1438614
PMCID: PMC6531045
PMID: 29420139
Abstract
Noise is a pervasive workplace hazard that varies spatially and temporally. The cost of direct-reading instruments for noise hampers their use in a network. The objectives for this work were to: (1) develop an inexpensive noise sensor (<$100) that measures A-weighted sound pressure levels within ±2 dBA of a Type 2 sound level meter (SLM; ∼$1,800); and (2) evaluate 50 noise sensors for use in an inexpensive sensor network. The inexpensive noise sensor consists of an electret condenser microphone, an amplifier circuit, and a microcontroller with a small form factor (28 mm by 47 mm by 9 mm) than can be operated as a stand-alone unit. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate 50 of the new sensors at 5 sound levels: (1) ambient sound in a quiet office; (2) 3 pink noise test signals from 65-85 dBA in 10 dBA increments; and (3) 94 dBA using a SLM calibrator. Ninety-four percent of the noise sensors (n = 46) were within ±2 dBA of the SLM for sound levels from 65-94 dBA. As sound level increased, bias decreased, ranging from 18.3% in the quiet office to 0.48% at 94 dBA. Overall bias of the sensors was 0.83% across the 75 dBA to 94 dBA range. These sensors are available for a variety of uses and can be customized for many applications, including incorporation into a stationary sensor network for continuous monitoring of noise in manufacturing environments.
Keywords: Hazard; network sensor; noise; sound; sound pressure level.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An inexpensive sensor for noise
- Creators
- Laura Hallett - University of IowaMarcus Tatum - University of IowaGeb Thomas - University of IowaSinan Sousan - University of IowaKirsten Koehler - Johns Hopkins UniversityThomas Peters - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, Vol.15(5), pp.448-454
- DOI
- 10.1080/15459624.2018.1438614
- PMID
- 29420139
- PMCID
- PMC6531045
- NLM abbreviation
- J Occup Environ Hyg
- ISSN
- 1545-9624
- eISSN
- 1545-9632
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/100000125, name: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, award: R01 OH010238
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/04/2018
- Academic Unit
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984187061602771
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