NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs OpeNoise

This award-winning app combines the best features of professional sound level meters and noise dosimeters into a simple, easy-to-use package. - Developed by experienced acoustics engineers and hearing loss experts. - Completely FREE – No ads, no limited features, and no in-app purchases. - Tested and validated (accuracy ± 2 dBA) according to standards in a reverberant chamber at NIOSH acoustics lab – the only proper method to validate accuracy. - Trusted source and world-class expertise in noise and hearing research. - Meets Type 2 requirements of IEC 61672:3 SLM standard when used w/ external microphone.* - Provides the most relevant metrics found in professional sound instruments today. Averages such as LAeq and TWA, Max and Peak Levels, Noise Dose and Projected Dose according to NIOSH and OSHA standards, and all three major weighting networks (A, C, and Z). - Capability to calibrate either internal or external microphone. Reporting and Sharing data. - Up-to-date informational screens on what noises are considered hazardous, how to conduct a noise measurement, how to properly select a hearing protector, and guidelines for preventing hearing loss, all at the palm of your hand. - Excellent and timely support from NIOSH hearing experts. - Support for Apple's Health (Hearing) app. * Celestina M, Hrovat J, Kardous CA [2018]. Smartphone-based sound level measurement apps: Evaluation of compliance with international sound level meter standards. Applied Acoustics, 139:119-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2018.04.011 More resources (including instructional videos and a user manual), a science blog, FAQ, and information about how to interpret results can be found on the NIOSH SLM website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html

OpeNoise is a real-time noise level meter. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: - Real-time A-weighted sound pressure level measurement - Minimum and maximum level - Third octave and FFT analysis - Data saving in text file - Calibration - Displaying measurements on a map - Metadata compilation - Sharing calibration and measurements with the OpeNoise community TERM OF USE This app is not intended for professional use, it does not necessarily guarantee an accurate noise measurement. Since each device has a different response to noise, a comparison with a professional noise level meter in the measurement dynamic range is required. The utilization of the app requires adequate technical knowledge and skill; an extemporary measurement might not be correct. The calibrations and measurements sent to the OpeNoise community will be used for statistical purposes only and cannot be used in any way to verify compliance with legal limits. CREDITS Developers: Arpa Piemonte (Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment of Piedmont - Italy - www.arpa.piemonte.it). The code is open source under GNU v.2 license or later, the code is on GitHub: https://github.com/Arpapiemonte/ KEYWORDS noise level meter, level, sound, noise, measure, measurement, dB, db, dBA, dB(A), decibel