Abstract
A design concept for a new audio dosimeter is presented which can be used to evaluate employee exposure to both continuous and impulsive noise more accurately. Unlike existing dosimeters, the instrument is capable of eliminating the influence of impulsive sounds upon the employee exposure or “dose.” The concept relies upon an interpretation of the intent of existing and proposed U.S. Department of Labor regulations with regard to the evaluation of continuous and impulsive sounds. This paper presents the rationale for the design concept, the block diagram of the microprocessor-based instrument, and a summary of its intended operation.