Noise Trauma Induced by a Mousetrap: Sound Pressure Level Measurement of Vole Captive Bolt Devices

• NCJ Number: 231231
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 774-778
• Author(s): Matthias Frank, M.D.; Matthias Napp, M.D.; Joern Lange, M.D.; Rico Grossjohann, Dipl.Phys; Axel Ekkernkamp, M.D., Ph.D.; Achim G. Beule, M.D.
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

While ballistic parameters of vole captive bolt devices have been reported, there is no investigation on their hazardous potential to cause noise trauma. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the sound pressure levels of vole captive bolt devices.

Abstract

Two different shooting devices were examined with a modular precision sound level meter on an outdoor firing range. Measurements were taken in a semi-circular configuration with measuring points 0 degrees in front of the muzzle, 90 degrees at right angle of the muzzle, and 180 degrees behind the shooting device. Distances between muzzle and microphone were 0.5, 1, 2, 10, and 20 m. Sound pressure levels exceeded 130 dB(C) at any measuring point within the 20-m area. Highest measurements (more than 172 dB[C]) were taken in the 0 degrees direction at the 0.5-m distance for both shooting devices proving the hazardous potential of these gadgets to cause noise trauma. 6 figures, 1 table and 15 references (Published Abstract)