Sound Measurements
Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of sound. The scale runs from the faintest sound the human ear can detect, which is labeled 0 dB, to more than 180 dB, the noise at a rocket pad during launch. Most experts agree that continual exposure to more than 85 decibels is dangerous. Recent studies show an alarming increase in noise-related hearing loss in young people.
If you are exposed to noisy environments through your profession or recreational activities, call us today to learn more about our products and how they can help enhance your hearing while protecting your hearing from further damage.
Decibel Level Comparison Chart
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|
Commercial
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Industrial
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Residential
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dB Level
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|
Threshold For Hearing
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0
|
|
Good Recording Studio
|
|
Breathing
|
10
|
|
|
|
Rustling Leaves
|
15
|
|
|
|
Whisper, Mosquito
|
20
|
|
Library
|
|
Living / Dining Room
|
30
|
|
Refrigerator Hum
|
|
Kitchen / Bathroom
|
40
|
|
Quiet Office
|
Power Lawn Mower
|
Home Office
|
50
|
|
|
|
Birds at 10'
|
55
|
|
Conversational Speech
|
60
|
|
Piano Practice
|
|
Electric Shaver
|
60
|
|
Business Office
|
|
Piano Practice
|
65
|
|
Noisy Restaurant
|
Inplant Office
|
Street Traffic
|
70
|
|
Chamber Music
|
|
Barking Dog
|
75
|
|
Classroom
|
|
Alarm Clock
|
75
|
|
|
|
Television / Dishwasher
|
75
|
|
Airplane at 1 mile
|
Manual Machines
|
Vacuum Cleaner
|
80
|
|
Reception / Lobby Area
|
Handsaw
|
Garbage Disposal
|
85
|
|
Motor Bus
|
|
Telephone Dial Tone
|
85
|
|
Applause in Auditorium
|
|
Lawn Mower
|
85
|
|
OSHA Required Hearing Protection in Factory
|
85
|
|
Teleconference Room
|
|
Train at 100'
|
90
|
|
Subway
|
Farm Tractor
|
Teenage Stereo
|
90
|
|
Sustained Exposure May Cause Hearing Loss
|
90
|
|
Music Practice Room
|
Electric Drill
|
Walkman at 5/10
|
94
|
|
French Horn
|
Average Factory Noise
|
Blender
|
100
|
|
Orchestra
|
Diesel Truck
|
Motorcycle
|
105
|
|
Computer Room
|
Printing Press
|
Train
|
105
|
|
Bass Drum
|
Heavy Truck
|
Power Saw
|
110
|
|
Dog Kennel
|
Power Mower
|
Baby Crying
|
110
|
|
Symphony Orchestra
|
Punch Press
|
Squeeky Toy to Ear
|
110
|
|
Pain Begins
|
120
|
|
Disco
|
Sandblasting
|
Shot Gun
|
120
|
|
Cymbal Crash
|
Pneumatic Clipper
|
Air Raid Siren
|
130
|
|
Dragcar Racing
|
Military Jet
|
Shotgun
|
140
|
|
Rock Concert
|
Aircraft Carrier Deck
|
Jet Takeoff
|
140
|
|
Chest Wall Begins to Vibrate
|
150
|
|
Ear Drum Breaks Instantly
|
160
|
|
Death of Hearing Tissue
|
180
|
|
Loudest Possible Sound
|
194
|
Pitch is the frequency of sound vibrations per second measured in hertz or kilohertz, and duration. A low pitch, such as a deep voice or a tuba, makes fewer vibrations per second than a high voice or violin—the higher the pitch, the higher the frequency. Loss of high-frequency hearing also can make speech sound muffled.
