Mercedes provides your ears with an extra layer of
audio protection called pink noise designed to keep your hearing
intact by the extremely loud sounds typically associated with a
vehicle crash.
The crunching metal,
breaking glass, and the explosive deployments of airbags can hit
165 decibels or higher, and has the potential to permanently
damage a passenger’s hearing. Pink noise, which Mercedes calls
“Pre-Safe Sound” is unique in that its power is inversely
proportional to the signal. When it hits the ear, it triggers
muscles in the ear to contract by reflex, automatically bracing
the inner ear and eardrum for the extremely loud noise of the
crash by reflecting some of the sound before it reaches the
point where it could cause problems.
Once the vehicle’s
sensors have detected that a collision is unavoidable, a
comprehensive system of safety features is activated within the
short time before an impact occurs. It takes just 150
milliseconds to deploy the reversible seat belt tensioners and
other safety features. The duration of a human blink is 100
milliseconds.