Sound Level Meters

There are various factors that may indicate noise is a problem in the at home or the workplace. While people react differently to noise, subjective responses should not be ignored because they may provide warnings that noise may be at unacceptable levels. A sound level meter (SLM) is the basic instrument for investigating noise levels.

Sound level meters can be used to:

• Spot-check noise dosimeter performance.
• Determine an individual's noise dose whenever use of a noise dosimeter is unavailable or inappropriate.
• Identify and evaluate individual noise sources for abatement purposes.
• Aid in determining the feasibility of engineering controls for individual noise sources.
• Evaluate hearing protectors.

The SBG uses an Extech HD-600 Sound Level Meter to take measurements.

Nowadays you can also download Sound Level Meter apps for your smartphone: 

• Android
• Iphone

Note: These are not as accurate and can only measure up to a certain amount of dB.