Firearms & Pickleballs?! Impulse Noise Explained - Robert Agnew | Technical Director, Liberty Mutual

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What do firearms, industrial machinery, and pickleball all have in common? They produce impulse noise — sudden, high-intensity sounds that can cause serious hearing damage and carry major insurance liabilities.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rob Agnew, Technical Director at Liberty Mutual Insurance, to explore the world of impulse noise and risk communication within the field of Industrial Hygiene. From gunshots and industrial machinery to paddle pops, Rob helps break down what makes these sounds so harmful or not — and why communicating their risks is often just as challenging as mitigating them.

 We discuss:
-Rob’s journey into the field of Industrial Hygiene
-What defines an impulse noise and why it’s so damaging
-The complexities of risk communication in occupational safety
-The science behind firearm acoustics
-Why pickleball noise is more than just a neighborhood nuisance
-Practical advice for students and early-career professionals

If you're curious about how science, sound, and safety intersect, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the most overlooked public and occupational health issues.

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