Open AccessHearing damage risk to divers operating noisy tools under water.
Author(s) -
Otto Inge Molvær,
Truls Gjestland
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.2548
Subject(s) - underwater , noise (video) , noise exposure , drill , auditory fatigue , environmental science , acoustics , absolute threshold of hearing , hearing protection , sound pressure , compressed air , hearing loss , audiology , engineering , geology , computer science , physics , medicine , oceanography , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
During the measurement of noise generated inside a standard hard hat and the underwater noise level produced by a pneumatic rock drill and two different high-pressure water jet lances commonly used in underwater work, noise levels were recorded of up to 170.5 dB(A), in relation to a pressure of 1 muPa, in the water close to the diver's heads. Fortunately, the noise is attenuated by the hoods/helmets worn by the divers and the raised hearing threshold in water and compressed gas. The recorded temporary threshold shifts indicate, however, that lengthy exposure might be hazardous to divers' hearing. This possibility is confirmed by a comparison of the noise levels observed in the present study with hearing damage risk criteria.