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Noise levels and hearing thresholds in the drop forging industry
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Noise exposure in drop-forging industries poses a severe hearing hazard. Both hammer and press operators experience significant noise levels, with long-term exposure leading to hearing loss comparable to continuous noise.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- The drop-forging industry presents significant noise exposure risks.
- Impact noise from hammer and press operations is a concern for worker hearing.
- Understanding noise levels and their effect on hearing is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine A-weighted equivalent continuous noise levels for hammer and press operations.
- To compare hearing level statistics between exposed workers and a control group.
- To assess the hazard of impact noise exposure on hearing in the long term.
Main Methods:
- Noise levels were measured using tape recordings and personal noise dosimeters.
- A-weighted equivalent continuous sound levels (Leq) were calculated.
- Hearing level statistics were compared for 716 hammer/press operators and 293 controls.
Main Results:
- Average A-weighted Leq was 108 dB for hammer operators and 99 dB for press operators.
- For exposures under 10 years, hearing levels were similar between operator groups and lower than predicted for continuous noise.
- For exposures of 10 years or more, hearing loss from impact noise was as great or greater than from continuous noise.
Conclusions:
- Impact noise in drop-forging is a severe hazard to hearing.
- Long-term exposure to impact noise results in significant hearing loss.
- Hearing protection measures are essential for workers in this industry.