The marketplace
is saturated with sound level meters that provide
basic summary noise data such as overall Lmin,
Lmax, Leq/Lavg, Peak, Dose, Exposure, TWA and
the like. These kinds of summary data can confirm
that a noise problem exists but do little to
help users trouble-shoot or resolve the problems
found. Determining potential and most appropriate
methods for correcting excessive noise levels
requires a more detailed understanding of the
nature of the noise. Unfortunately, obtaining
more detailed information historically has meant
users must deal with very complex sound measurement
instruments and software that are difficult
to learn, a challenge to operate confidently
and highly prone to operator error. For those
that dare venture into the complex world of
advanced noise analysis questionable measurement
data and unplanned time and expense is often
experienced. For the rest of us, keeping things
simple may mean choosing to ignore noise problems
for fear of the complexities and costs involved. |