When it comes to workplace noise exposure, it’s crucial that you’re doing more than just ticking a box when sourcing a dosimeter. Choosing the best noise dosimeter can make all the difference… not just in compliance, but in saving time and reducing risk for your team.
But… given the plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming. You’ll need to know what to look for and which aspects really matter before choosing the best noise dosimeter for your needs.
That’s why we’ve developed this handy checklist to help you stay focused on what really counts.
A dosimeter is only as good as its microphone. Accuracy and stability over time are critical, especially in harsh environments.
What to look for:
Low drift over time
Resistance to dust, moisture, and impacts
Long service life
For example, making sure your dosimeter uses a MEMS microphone with a lifetime warranty is a great place to start. It’s a rare feature, but it gives peace of mind that if, by chance, it does get damaged, it can be replaced instantly. MEMS microphones are also shock-resistant and don’t degrade like traditional condenser mics.
Some dosimeters hide the display to prevent tampering. But for many professionals, a screen is essential for quick checks and diagnostics in the field.
What to look for:
Clear display for viewing levels, battery, or status
Lockout modes if needed to prevent interference
For example, you may look for one with a bright OLED screen, readable even in direct sunlight. That means you can view real-time levels, check status, or start/stop measurements on the device or via the app.
Modern dosimeters should support remote access, especially when worn under PPE or in hard-to-reach areas.
What to look for:
Live data via smartphone
Start/stop/control features
Marking events remotely
A compatible mobile app could let you monitor live readings, set up measurements, or mark events from your phone, no need to disturb the worker wearing it.
Not every spike in noise is a true exposure event. Bumps, drops, or sudden handling can skew results if not filtered correctly.
What to look for:
Tamper-proof housing
Built-in motion or vibration sensors
Automatic event logging
Look for a dosimeter that includes a triaxial vibration sensor to detect non-acoustic disturbances. This helps you exclude false readings and get cleaner, more reliable data.
Manual calibration steps can lead to errors or missed records.
What to look for:
Automatic detection of calibrators
Logging of calibration data in reports
Some models allow you to attach a calibrator, and it automatically detects, stores, and applies the result. This saves time and cuts down on user error.
Longer run time and large internal memory are essential for full-shift measurements or extended studies.
What to look for:
At least 24–48 hours runtime
Large internal memory
Support for time-history logging
Battery life is crucial. The best noise dosimeter should offer 48+ hours of battery life and at least 8 GB of memory, more than enough for detailed time-history data, octave bands, and audio logging.
Depending on your needs, extras like octave band analysis, audio recording, or auto threshold alerts can save time in post-analysis.
What to look for:
Flexibility without overcomplication
Optional upgrades if needed
For example, you might want a dosimeter with field-switchable dual profiles, 1/1 or 1/3 octave band analysis, and automatic event recording.
How robust is it?
Does it have a low-drift microphone?
What is the warranty on the microphone?
Does it have a built-in display and/or app support?
Does it offer motion/vibration sensing?
Is automatic calibration detection available?
What’s the battery life and memory size?
Can it do real-time monitoring?
Are there advanced features that will save time?
Whether you’re measuring for compliance, protecting worker health, or conducting detailed assessments, it’s worth investing in the best noise dosimeter for the job, and for the future.
The SV 104A shows what’s possible when accuracy, durability, and smart design come together in a personal dosimeter. Even if it’s not the one you choose, it sets a strong benchmark for what you should expect.
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