The paper discusses the problem about the ergonomic assessment of the abilities of the auditory analyzer for processing of speech information, depending on the zoning of the masking effect of noise and the degree of speech communication. A significant increase of the loss of speech information with rise of the intensities of the masking effect of noise (from 21.33 % at L eq. 40 dB up to 96 % at L eq. 90 and less than 90 dB/A/) is found. The speech communication is graded into 4 bands, depending on the qualitative–quantitative criteria of the processed speech communication. The regularity of the standard for masking noise (L eq. 65 dB/A/), which guarantees good comprehensibility is proved from the aspect of ensuring the necessary conditions for speech information perception. Equivalent levels of masking noise near or equal to L eq. 85 dB/A/ ensure satisfactory comprehensibility at the control boards. The abnormal intensities of the masking noise effect are of particular importance as they belong to the inadmissible (bad) zone of auditory perception of speech information.

        Key words: noise, masking effect of noise, ergonomics, speech communication, bands