Citation

Guida HL, Taxini CL, Goncalves CG, Valenti VE. Rev. Bras. Otorrinolaringol. 2014; 80(6): 515-521.

Affiliation

Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Campus de Marília, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Sociedade Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia)

DOI

10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.08.003

PMID

25457072

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Impact noise is characterized by acoustic energy peaks that last less than a second, at intervals of more than 1s.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the levels of impact noise to which police officers are exposed during activities at the shooting range and to evaluate the attenuation of the hearing protector.

METHODS: Measurements were performed in the shooting range of a military police department. An SV 102 audiodosimeter (Svantek) was used to measure sound pressure levels. Two microphones were used simultaneously: one external and one insertion type; the firearm used was a 0.40 Taurus(®) rimless pistol.

RESULTS: The values obtained with the external microphone were 146dBC (peak), and a maximum sound level of 129.4dBC (fast). The results obtained with the insertion microphone were 138.7dBC (peak), and a maximum sound level of 121.6dBC (fast).

CONCLUSION: The findings showed high levels of sound pressure in the shooting range, which exceeded the maximum recommended noise (120dBC), even when measured through the insertion microphone. Therefore, alternatives to improve the performance of hearing protection should be considered.

Language: en