Numerical simulation of infrasound perception, with reference to prior reported laboratory effects

摘要

In earlier presentations, the author has argued that conventional assessments of theperception of infrasound based on mean (rms derived) sound energy levels underestimatethe importance of the associated crest factor of very low frequency sound pressurevariations. By simulating the dynamic response of the ear at levels close to the hearingthreshold, it is apparent that infrasound may be perceptible at lower levels than thosebased on long time constant rms assessment. In particular, it will be shown that theexistence of a finite threshold of audibility, together with the added presence of low levelhigher frequency noise in the first critical band (i.e. below 100Hz), can imply theperception of infrasound at significantly lower levels than has hitherto beenacknowledged. The results of simulations will be compared to independently reportedeffects which have been observed in laboratory testing by other researchers.