What type of noise is measured at the highest volume of impulse peaks?

Impulse noise is characterized by short bursts of sound that occur at very high levels for brief durations. This type of noise can include sounds such as gunshots, explosions, or specific machinery impacts. The key feature of impulse noise is its rapid onset and high peak levels, which means that it can result in momentary peaks in sound pressure levels that are significantly higher than those found in steady or continuous noises.

Measuring impulse noise focuses on capturing these peaks because they can have immediate and potentially harmful effects on hearing. Prolonged exposure to high levels of impulse noise can lead to hearing damage or loss, making it essential to pay special attention to these high-volume peaks when conducting noise assessments or implementing hearing conservation programs.

In contrast, steady noise, background noise, and continuous noise typically do not exhibit the same extreme peaks in sound levels, as they tend to produce a more consistent sound pressure over time without the sharp rises associated with impulse noise.