What’s the difference between a sound level meter and a noise dosimeter?

I’m relatively new to the world of acoustic measuring and noise measuring equipment, and one of the very first questions I found myself asking was “what’s the difference between a sound level meter and a noise dosimeter?” Thankfully, the distinction is relatively simple and a complete novice like me can get to grips with it. So if you’re looking to purchase some noise measuring equipment but haven’t got a clue whether or not you need to be a sound level meter or a dosimeter, then let me be your guide and explain the differences between the two.

If you’re completely new to the world of noise measuring, check out our FREE guide to noise terminology, which will help you understand some of the key terms you’ll come across.

The good news is that both sound level meters and noise dosimeters measure noise levels; so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place. Sound level meters are typically bigger in size and are used to measure noise exposure in the workplace or in the environment. The readings that they can provide can show how loud a particular area of a factory is or can record the noise next to an airport; there’s really no limit to the sorts of noise they can measure or where they can measure it…apart from in space…because there’s no sound in space. So if you need to measure how loud your newest piece of factory machinery is or the noise levels in your car servicing bay, a sound level meter is the piece of kit for you.

Now here’s where it gets a bit technical. There are two types of sound level meter: Class 1 and, you guessed it, Class 2. Put simply, Class 1 instruments are far more accurate than Class 2 as they have a smaller margin for error in their measurements. That being said, the UK Noise At Work regulations allow for Class 2 measurements to be used; the use of Class 1 instruments is usually reserved for environmental noise and noise nuisance measuring, to ensure that should any measurements be challenged, the most accurate data possible is available. There’s obviously a lot of science behind the tolerance levels and margins for error in Class 1 and Class 2 instruments, which is explored in our article here.

Put simply, a noise dosimeter is a specialised type of sound level meter that is used to measure personal noise exposure levels. They can also be used when it isn’t safe or practical to use a full-sized sound level meter, such as in areas with a high fire risk or in confined spaces. So if you’re looking to measure the noise exposure of a pneumatic drill operator on your building site, or need data to show the noise levels on an oil ring or in a mine, a noise dosimeter is what you should be aiming for. The other great thing about noise dosimeters is that they can be used to record someone’s exposure for a full working day, in multiple areas of your workplace and with modern technology and innovative designs, most noise dosimeters are light and unobtrusive, meaning that people can wear them and carry on with their work unhindered.

So that’s it! A quick overview of the difference between a sound level meter and a noise dosimeter, that’s hopefully easy to understand. Of course if you’d like more information, the best thing to do would be to get in touch with a member of our team who’ll be able to help you should you still be unsure as to which piece of equipment you need.