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Occupational Medicine 1983;33:107-113
© 1983 Society of Occupational Medicine

research-article

Exposure to industrial ultrasound: hazards, appraisal and control

W.I. ACTON

Auditory Communication and Hearing Conservation Unit, University of Southampton

Concern about the possible effects of exposure to ultrasound has been expressed for over thirty years, although the worst fears have proved unfounded. The acoustic mismatch between air and human skin means that only auditory effects are important unless there is a fluid coupling between the ultrasonic source and the body. The auditory effects take the form of an unpleasant sensation of ‘fullness’ or pressure in the ears, a sort of temporary tinnitus, nausea, headaches and possibly fatigue. Exposure criteria have been proposed based on these effects. Hearing damage has only been reported when exposure was to much higher levels. The hearing losses occurred at sub-harmonics of the stimulus frequency suggesting a nonlinear distortion process within the ear. Control of ultrasound can be achieved fairly easily in most cases, and conventional ear protection is adequate at these frequencies.

Requests for reprints should be addressed to: W. I. Acton, Auditory Communication and Hearing Conservation Unit, University of Southampton.


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