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Development of new "Detectsound": A computerized model for adjusting the level of acoustic warning signalization in the workplace

Noise is a major aggressor in the workplace. It is widely acknowledged that noise may be hazardous to health and may interfere with speech communication. Researchers have found that noise and noise-induced hearing loss can also compromise the audibility of warning signals. A computerized tool called "Detectsound" has been developed for predicting the capability of workers to detect auditory warning signals in noise and for providing an optimal adjustment of signal levels according to the functional limits of the target worker(s). This work represents a comprehensive revision and improvement over an earlier version of the "Detectsound" model [Laroche et al. (1991), Applied Acoustics, 32, 193--214]. The main enhanced features are: (1) taking into account the hearing status for individuals, (2) incorporating the normative data describing the effect of noise exposure and age on hearing thresholds (ISO 1999, ISO 7029), (3) integrating more recent and accurate data on frequency selectivity, and (4) improving the user interface for the implemented software program. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/26415
Date January 2003
CreatorsZheng, Yun
ContributorsGiguere, Christian,, Laroche, Chantal,
PublisherUniversity of Ottawa (Canada)
Source SetsUniversité d’Ottawa
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format87 p.

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