소음성 난청의 효율적인 예방을 위한 첨도 측정법의 이해

Understanding a New Method as Powerful Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Kurtosis Metric

Purpose: In general, energy metrics, i.e., LAeq 8 hours, have been applied as a risk indicator of noise exposure. However, there are some limitations of LAeq measurement since it considers only the amount of average energy of noise and is not appropriate for measuring the complex noise. In light of this, the kurtosis metrics have been introduced by many contemporary researchers to be applied as an alternative measure. Methods: In the main body, we introduced the weakness of current noise exposure criteria, compared between Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise, briefly explained the concepts of kurtosis metrics, and scrutinized more applications of the kurtosis metrics by summarizing previous 7 research papers. Results: Compare to the Gaussian noise, the non-Gaussian noise has been found to have stronger cochlear damage effects on the outer and inner hair cells and led to permanent hearing loss in the higher frequencies. Noise exposure trauma levels were dramatically increased as the kurtosis levels increased. Although kurtosis metrics are a good indicator or measure, it still need to be adjusted in terms of frequency-specificity. Conclusion: Since the kurtosis metrics are not implemented in Korea, especially in the industrial field, we need to develop a new measurement approach using the kurtosis metrics on workers and then provide scientific based criteria for effectively preventing their potential risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.