Which noise level would receive the lowest addition according to the multiple noise sources method?

When assessing noise levels from multiple sources, the combined noise level increases in a nonlinear fashion. This means that as you add more sources of noise, especially when they are operating at the same level, the overall increase in decibels is not as pronounced.

Adding a single noise source typically has a more significant impact on the overall sound level than adding additional sources once a certain number is reached. The principle underlying this is that doubling the sound intensity (in watts) results in a 3 dB increase in sound pressure level. However, as more identical sources are added, the increases in decibels become less significant after certain points.

Among the options, ten sources contribute the least additional noise, as the increments diminish with each additional source. Therefore, the addition of ten sources would result in the lowest increased noise level compared to fewer sources, since the cumulative effect of combining so many overlapping sounds leads to a convergence in overall sound levels due to the logarithmic nature of sound measurement.

This principle is important in industrial hygiene as it allows practitioners to understand and manage noise exposure effectively, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting workers' hearing and health.