Subjective evaluation of the noise at the operator's ear position in earth moving machines: a preliminary investigation

Laboratory listening tests have been carried out in order to compare the objective parameters comrnonly used for assessing the noise at the operator' s ear posi ti on in the cab in of an earth moving machine, with the subjective perception. The results, although affected by limitations inherently the initial state of the study, show that the parameter that has to be measured in accordance with the international standards currently in force, is not adequate to describe the physical phenomena determining the subjective auditory perception. A further investigation should address the identification of descriptors which better represent the hearing sensation.