Sound pressure distribution about the human head and torso.

Published and unpublished data on sound pressure distributions about the human head and torso were collected and analyzed. The results of the analysis are presented graphically. The data include measurements on both humans and manikins in both progressive wave and diffuse fields. The results can be used to aid selection of locations for the microphones of noise dosimeters and hearing aids and design of spectrum shaping circuits for these microphones. An appendix discusses procedures for determining whether it is appropriate to assume a progressive wave or diffuse field when these data are applied to actual situations in the field.