The amount and pattern of sound experienced by a person over a specified period of time.
Sound exposure is influenced by sound level, duration, frequency, and the pattern of exposure.
For practical health purposes, both the level of sound and duration of exposure matter. A very loud sound may become hazardous within a short period, while a less intense sound may become concerning when exposure is prolonged or repeated.
This is why hearing risk cannot be assessed from a sound level alone. Frequency of exposure, distance from the source, and individual circumstances may also matter.
QUICK FACT
As sound level increases, the amount of time considered acceptable for exposure decreases substantially.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Sound level: sound level describes how intense a sound is at a particular moment, while sound exposure considers the person’s exposure over time.
- Decibel (dB): a unit used to express sound-related levels or ratios; it does not by itself describe the complete exposure history.
- Noise pollution: an environmental concept describing unwanted or harmful sound; sound exposure refers to what a person actually experiences.
SEE ALSO
