Abstract: A device and a method for preventing damage to hearing which may result from activation of vehicle occupant restraint systems operate using a source of sound for producing a primary sound event having a sound pressure level non-injurious to hearing. The sound pressure level is, however, sufficient to trigger the so-called acoustic reflex of the human ear which has the effect that the ear's sensitivity is reduced when exposed to high sound pressure levels and the subsequent sound event has only a fraction of the negative effects of the primary sound event on the internal ear. The primary sound event needs only be triggered sufficiently shortly in time before the secondary sound event which occurs on activation of the restraint system and features a sound pressure level injurious to hearing.

Abstract: A cover for a gas bag restraint system, with a limiting strap (7) fastened thereto and embedded in the gas bag cover (1) is characterized in that the embedding of the limiting strap (7) into the cover (1) takes place such that the cover (1), when it is held back by the limiting strap (1) in the case of restraint, tears open in a defined manner in the region around the exit place (9) of the limiting strap (7) and remains attached to the limiting strap (7) by a region which is not torn open.