Auditory risk for impulsive sounds using the AHAAH model for impulsive sounds with stylized signals, measurements and by applying hearing protection

Military personnel in particular has to deal with impulsive sounds, generated for instance by shooting. A safe number of shots, in combination with the use of (double) hearing protection has to be determined. The auditory risk unit (ARU) can be used as a measure for the risk to human hearing caused by the exposure to these kind of impulsive sounds. This measure can be determined with the AHAAH model as described in MIL-STD-1474E. In this paper results of the AHAAH model are shown when using stylized signals, real measured shots and when hearing protection is applied. By analyzing these results the AHAAH model can be better understood, but it also feeds the discussion on topics that may need further attention, such as hearing protection results. In addition the use of a measurement method drafted for standardization is discussed, to get the input data for the AHAAH model, as well as the user dependence on the outcome of the model.