In the hearing protection guidelines, the range 85-104 dB is associated with which category?

• A. Continuous noise
• B. Impact noise
• C. Both continuous and impact
• D. None

Answer: (A)

The question is about distinguishing noise by its pattern. In hearing protection guidelines, continuous noise refers to a steady, ongoing sound whose energy is spread over time, like machinery running in a shop. The 85-104 dB range describes those sustained levels you’d encounter over a work shift, where exposure is assessed as a time-weighted average of the sound energy. Impact (or impulse) noise, on the other hand, consists of brief, sudden bursts with high peak levels, not a sustained range like 85-104 dB. So, the range 85-104 dB is associated with continuous noise because it reflects a steady, ongoing exposure rather than short, impulsive events.