Acoustic shock: an update review

BackgroundThis paper discusses the concept of acoustic shock based on a literature review and the results of our own research into cases seen in both clinical and medicolegal practice. With the demise of traditional ‘metal bashing’ and ‘smoke stack’ heavy industries, there has been a decline in the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus in this form of employment. However, with the increasing establishment of call centre work, the emergence of acoustic shock has been noted. Acoustic shock is recognised as a clinical entity distinct from noise-induced hearing loss and acoustic trauma.ObjectiveThis article discusses clinical implications, medicolegal considerations in light of a recent high-profile court case and proposed criteria for diagnosis.

Mathematical Analysis of a Novel Formaldehyde Remediation Process

The NASA low-temperature oxidation catalyst (Pt/SnO2), originally developed for space-based carbon dioxide laser applications has been recently adapted to address formaldehyde destruction in industrial smoke stack emission streams. A mathematical model is developed that can be used to correlate the observable chemistry occurring on the surfaces of a monolith with the volumetric flow rate of the gas and cross sectional area of catalyst surfaces as well as quantifying process design variables such as pressure or temperature of an exhaust gas stream.