Leq measurements assess cumulative noise exposure linked to hearing loss

Evidence

Sometimes it is important to be able to calculate an estimate of the equivalent sound level experienced over a period of time. This is especially important when measuring people’s noise exposure in order to see if they might suffer noiseinduced hearing loss. This cannot be done using the standard fast or slow time responses on a sound level meter; instead, a special form of measurement known as the “Leq” (pronounced L-E-Q) measurement is used. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 638

Categorization

• DEFINE: Introduces and explains the purpose of the Leq measurement as distinct from standard meter responses.
• XREF: Connects to the reader’s running interest in noise-induced hearing loss thresholds from One Square Inch of Silence and soundscape work.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 638