Adjustment of the Method for Estimating the Volume Level of a Signal with Arbitrary Intensity and Frequency in Sound Dosimetry Problems

The paper describes a modified method for determining the volume level of a signal with an arbitrary frequency and intensity, taking into account resonances in the mid-frequency region of the outer ear of the peripheral part of the human auditory system for sound dosimetry tasks. As an element providing mid-frequency amplification, an amplifier with a frequency-dependent amplitude-frequency characteristic was introduced into the measurement model, the amplification function of which is based on the Gaussian function with adjustment by three parameters, which simplifies and automates its adjustment. Using a modified model and a software-implemented amplifier, the volume level was assessed for two types of noise with amplification in the mid-frequency region, which made it possible to take into account the structural features of the human auditory canal during measurements and calculations. The results of the work can be used to determine the volume levels of the noise regime at a certain facility or enterprise, which will make it possible to detect the presence of corresponding risks of irreversible damage to the hearing of personnel in the noise exposure area, as well as to preliminarily and adequately protect the human auditory system from the effects of noise exposure.