What is a Noise Dosimeter?

A noise dosimeter is basically the same as a sound level meter: it measures the fluctuations in air pressure caused by sound and converts them into a usable reading, usually in decibels.

Where a noise dosimeter varies from a sound level meter is in the way it is used and the way in which some of the levels measured are presented. A noise dosimeter is designed to measure an individual's exposure to noise throughout the working day.

Please also refer to our notes on sound level calibrators.

Using a Noise Dosimeter

The noise dosimeter is attached to a worker and left measuring throughout the working shift. In the case of the older style noise dosimeters, the small box of electronics are clipped to the worker's belt or put in the worker's pocket and the microphone, which is on an extension cable, is attached to the collar or lapel.

The newer style dosimeters, like the doseBadge, consist of a much smaller design with no microphone cable. The dosimeter itself is mounted on the worker's shoulder, positioning the microphone at the right distance from the ear and where it will not rub on the clothing.

Once the dosimeter is mounted (and not before), the measurement can be started. At the end of the working day the measurement is stopped, the dosimeter removed from the worker and the results viewed or downloaded to a computer.

Why Use a Noise Dosimeter?

The noise dosimeter is particularly useful when a worker moves between a number of locations. Using a standard sound level meter you would have to measure the noise levels at each location, find out how long the worker stays at each location and then calculate the overall exposure.

With a dosimeter you just leave it measuring.