What type of noise lasts less than 0.5 seconds and is considered hazardous at certain dB levels?

Impulse noise is defined as a sound that lasts for a very short duration, typically less than 0.5 seconds. This type of noise is characterized by an abrupt onset and a rapid decrease in sound level. Impulse noises can include sounds like gunfire, fireworks, or certain types of machinery and are considered hazardous at specific decibel (dB) levels because of the potential for immediate and severe impact on hearing.

At high dB levels, impulse noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage due to its sudden intensity, which can exceed the threshold of pain for the human ear. This makes it particularly dangerous in situations where exposure is unexpected or unprotected. Unlike continuous or steady-state noise, which is more consistent and prolonged, impulse noise poses unique risks that demand specific protective measures in environments where such sounds are common.

Other types of noise, such as continuous noise, steady-state noise, and environmental noise, differ mainly in their duration and characteristics, lacking the abrupt nature and intensity spikes that define impulse noise.