Recent developments in international standardization

Standardization in the field of acoustics deals mainly with a negative side of sound. Its major objectives are the harmonization of noise measuring methods to establish a good basis for noise reduction measures, and the harmonization of measuring methods of the effects of noise on human hearing functions in order to avoid, diagnose and provide the requisite therapy to hearing damage. Control of noise from machinery or equipment requires effective exchange of acoustical information among the several parties concerned. These include the manufacturer, installer and user of the machinery or equipment. This acoustical information is obtained from measurements; such measurements are useful only if the conditions under which they are carried out are specified, if they yield defined acoustical quantities, and if they are made using standardized instruments.