This guide contains the noise level charts of common sounds.
Let’s get in!
The definition of noise is “unwanted sound.”
The majority of persons will get some hearing damage after repeated exposure to noise levels above 85dB(A).
And some people may even experience acoustic shock (sudden hearing loss) at levels exceeding 137dB. (A)
If you must be around noise, it is recommended that you use hearing protection or restrict your exposure time.
The recommended exposure period is reduced by half for every three dBA rise in noise levels.
A noise level chart, also known as a decibel level chart or decibels level chart, displays the impact of sound at various decibel (or dBA) levels.
Many noise level charts that highlight the impact of sounds and noises at various decibel levels are included in this manual.
These charts also include examples of typical noises that make noise at various decibel levels.
These graphs can be used to determine what kind of noises are too loud.
Noise Level DB Charts
Decibels are used to measure sound (dB).
A motorcycle engine running is roughly 95 dB louder than a whisper, the typical conversation is about 60 dB louder, and so on.
Long-term exposure to noise levels above 70 dB may cause hearing loss.
You can face instant ear damage from loud noise above 120 dB.
Most noise level charts provide samples of sounds with dB values between 0 and 140 decibels or occasionally between 0 and 180 decibels.
Yet, sound can reach a maximum volume of 190 dB!
That is earth-shattering!
But, since there is still a possibility, we will provide dB noise charts that contain dB values.
We’ll display a number of dB level charts that display sound effects at various decibel levels (e.g. 0 – 140 dB and 0 – 180 dB).
Decibel Range: 0 dB to 140 dB
Noise Level Chart : Normal Sound Decibel Chart
Let’s begin with the softer decibel range (up to 140 dB). This decibel chart displays sound levels from absolute quiet (0 dB) to loud noises (140 dB).
Everyday Sounds and Noises | Average Sound Level (measured in decibels) | Typical Response (after routine or repeated exposure) |
The quietest sound heard | 0 | |
Regular breathing | 10 | Normally, noises that are this loud don’t harm your hearing. |
Clock ticking | 20 | Normally, noises that are this loud don’t harm your hearing. |
Whispering | 30 | Normally, noises that are this loud don’t harm your hearing. |
Refrigerator humming | 40 | Normally, noises that are this loud don’t harm your hearing. |
Normal discussion
Air conditioner |
60 | Normally, noises that are this loud don’t harm your hearing. |
dishwasher and washing machine | 70 | You could find the noise to be annoying. |
urban traffic (inside the car) | 80-85 | You can feel really irritated. |
Lawn mowers and leaf blowers that run on gas | 80-85 | After two hours of exposure, hearing damage is possible. |
Motorcycle | 95 | Hearing damage is probable after around 50 minutes of exposure. |
Automobile horn at 16 feet (5 meters), approaching metro trains, and sporting events (such as hockey playoffs and football games) | 100 | After 15 minutes, hearing loss is possible. |
The loudest radio, stereo, or television, as well as noisy entertainment events, are the maximum volume levels for personal listening devices (such as nightclubs, bars, and rock concerts) | 105-110 | In less than five minutes, hearing loss is probable. |
In-ear barking or yelling | 110 | In less than two minutes, hearing loss is probable. |
standing next to or close to sirens | 120 | Ache and ear damage |
Firecrackers | 140-150 | Ache and ear damage |
Sounds Could Be Louder Than What You Hear
The intensity of a sound is not the same as how loud you believe it to be.
The amount of sound energy in a small area is known as sound intensity.
Decibels are used to measure it (dB).
Since the decibel scale is logarithmic, loudness does not relate to sound intensity.
Instead, a sound’s intensity increases quickly.
Thus, a sound at 20 dB is 10 times as loud as one at 10 dB.
Moreover, a sound at 100 dB has a one billion times greater power density than a sound at 10 dB.
Even if two sounds have the same intensity, they may not be equally loud. How you hear audible noises is referred to as loudness.
Even though the sound intensity is the same, a sound that feels loud in a quiet room cannot be audible while you are on a busy street corner.
A sound needs typically be amplified by 10 dB in order to be perceived as twice as loud when measuring loudness.
Ten violins, for instance, would only sound twice as loud as one violin.
The Highest Recommended Levels of Noise Exposure
The table below illustrates how long a person can be exposed to various noise levels without hearing protection.
Noise Level dB(A) |
Maximum Exposure Period(in an 8-hour working day/shift) |
85 | 8 hours |
88 | 4 hours |
91 | 2 hours |
94 | 1 hour |
97 | 30 minutes |
100 | 15 minutes |
103 | 7.5 minutes |
106 | 3.7 minutes |
109 | 112 seconds |
112 | 56 seconds |
115 | 28 seconds |
118 | 14 seconds |
121 | 7 seconds |
124 | 3 seconds |
127 | 1 second |
130-140 | Less than 1 second |
Less than 140 | No exposure time |
Ordinary Noise Levels (Dba)
Are you at risk for hearing loss from noise in your daily activities?
Examine the list below to see whether you need to take any action to protect your hearing from noise.
Examine the list below to see whether you need to take any action to protect your hearing from noise.
Even a single exposure to noise at 70 dBA over time can permanently damage your hearing. How can you help? Avoid noisy surroundings.
Also, wear hearing protection if you cannot get away from the noise source.
Even though noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, it is completely avoidable.
Home |
Work |
Recreation |
50-60 Automated toothbrush | 40 Quiet Office and Library | 40 Peaceful Neighborhood |
50-75 Machine For Washing | 50 Big Office | 70 Highway Traffic |
50-75 Conditioning unit | 70-95 Power Lawn Mower | 85 Loud restaurant with much traffic |
50-80 Electrified Razor | 80 Manual Tools and Machines | 90 Truck , Shouted Dialogue |
55 Percolator for coffee | 84 Handsaw | 95-110 Motorbike |
55-70 Dishwasher | 90 Tractor | 100 Snowmobile |
60 Sewing Device | 90-115 Metro | 100 Dancing at the School, Boom Box110 |
60-85 Carpet cleaner | 100 Electric drill | Disco, Music Club |
60-95 Hair Dryer | 100 Factory Equipment | 110 Busy Video Arcade |
70-80 coffee grinder | 110 Power Saw | 110–120 Rock Show |
70-95 Trash Removal | 110 Leaf Blower | 112 High Personal Music Player |
75-85 Toilet flush | 120–125 Chainsaw, Hammer On Nail | 117 Stadium Football Games |
80 Portable Toaster | 120 Heavy Equipment Pneumatic Drills | 120 Band Concert |
80 Doorbell | 120 Jet Plane at Ramp | 125 Auto Stereo |
80 Caller on the Phone | 150 Jet Engine Lifting Off | 130 Stock Car Events |
80 Whistling Kettle | 120 Emergency siren | 143 bicycling horn |
80-90 Food processor or mixer | 130 Jackhammer and power drill | 150 fireworks |
80-90 Blender | 130 Air Raid | 156 Cap Gun |
110 Infant crying | 135 Percussion Section at Symphony | 157 Balloon Pop |
110 Squeaky Toy Placed Next to the Ear | 140 Aircraft Lifting Off | (At 3 Feet) 162 Fireworks |
135 Toys that make noise | 150 Artillery Fire at 500 Feet | 163 Rifle |
189 Rocket Launching from Pad | 166/170 Handgun, Shotgun |
Types Of Sound That Affect Hearing Ability
In addition to the example provided above, you can utilize the information below to help you decide if a decibel level is safe.
1. Unsafe & Painful
The human ear is extremely vulnerable to damage from decibel levels between 120 and 140 dB and is uncomfortable.
Even a brief regular exposure to such loud noises might burst the eardrum and result in immediate hearing loss.
- Between 120 and 140 dB, common sources of unpleasant and harmful noises include:
- An airplane launching;
- The clap of thunder;
- A chainsaw or jackhammer;
- The sound of a high-caliber gunshot, such as one from a shotgun or rifle.
2. Uncomfortable
Sounds between 110 and 120 dB are said to be unsafe for human hearing.
They can be very uncomfortable and even cause pain, instantly damaging your hearing.
Common sources of 110-120 dB sound include:
- Jet plane or helicopter;
- Rock concert or symphony orchestra
- Large-scale sporting events
- Car horn
- Leaf blower
- Power saw
3. Extremely loud
Very loud sounds are 80 dB or more and up to 110 dB.
According to the general rule, all sound pressure levels greater than 85 dB are extremely loud and possibly dangerous and harmful to human hearing.
When exposed to sounds louder than 85 dB, experts advise using hearing protection.
Examples of 80-110 dB sound that are typical include:
- Turning up the volume of your personal audio system or listening device to 100 dB;
- The power tool noise is 90 dB.
- Clock radios: 80 dB.
4. Irritating
While not harmful, noise levels between 70 and 80 dB can occasionally be irritating or even annoying.
This is particularly valid when you’re attempting to concentrate, like when you’re working or studying.
This degree of background noise may damage schoolchildren’s ability to learn to understand and read.
Those who are exposed to these noise levels for an extended period may experience stress and an increase in blood pressure.
Here are some common noises that range between 70 and 80 decibels:
- Vacuum or waste disposal is 80 dB
- 70 dB from car tires;
- Typical traffic noise level: 70 dB.
5. Loud
Human hearing is safe from sounds between 60 and 80 dB. Yet they are still seen as noisy.
Some examples of sounds in this range include:
- loud restaurant (70–80 dB);
- loud radio, between 70 and 75 dB;
- 70 dB for city streets;
- 70 dB for a hairdryer;
- 70 dB for a dishwasher;
- 60 dB for an electric shaver;
- 60 dB for a typical chat.
6. Moderate
Decibel levels between 40 and 60 are considered moderate.
No matter how long you are exposed to these levels, they are appropriate and not harmful to your hearing.
Moderate sound examples include:
- Regular speaking pitch;
- Rainfall
- The refrigerator;
- Minimal traffic
- A street for houses
7. Soft
Soft sounds range in volume from 20 to 40 dB and are extremely gentle.
You can be exposed to these loud levels for an endless period of time without harming your hearing.
Soft noise examples include:
- Serene setting
- Someone whispering;
- The sound of leaves rustling;
- An empty library.
8. Very quiet
Noise levels between 10 and 20 dB are quite low and safe for your hearing.
These sounds are a little louder than your breath.
And these sounds have a volume of 10 dB, which is comparable to a soft whisper of the wind blowing over a leaf.
9. Almost inaudible
Despite the sensitivity and accuracy of our ears, we cannot hear every sound.
Some people are too quiet to hear or distinguish.
Between 0 and 10 dB are barely audible sounds, such as a person breathing or a leaf resting.
Guidelines to Prevent Hearing Loss
If you ever find yourself in a position where you are exposed to loud noises, follow these quick precautions to avoid damaging your hearing:
-
Watch Out for the Amount of Noise Around You
Monitoring noise levels is the best preventative action to protect your hearing.
You can identify potentially dangerous noise levels and take measures to safeguard your hearing by measuring the noise levels in your home or place of employment.
To measure noise levels, you can use a sound level meter or a sound level meter app.
-
Use Caution When Listening to Music
Hearing loss is frequently brought on by loud music.
Loud music, whether played through speakers or headphones, can harm your ears and impair your hearing.
-
Limit Your Exposure to Loud Noises
By measuring the noise levels around you, being aware of them, wearing hearing protection, or moving away from the source of the noise, you can prevent being subjected to loud noises and protect your hearing.
-
If Necessary, Use Hearing Protection.
Use the proper hearing protection if you work in a factory or on a construction site or are otherwise in a situation where loud noises are unavoidable.
Earplugs, earmuffs, and noise-canceling headphones are your options.
-
Periodically Test Your Hearing
Regular hearing testing is the greatest method to detect hearing problems early and stop future damage.
What Is Decibel Level Too Loud? Acceptable level of noise?
What is noise level considered to be safe for people to be around?
Hearing loss may result from long or recurrent exposure to overly loud sounds and at or above 60 dB.
This means that 60 dB or less is people’s minimum allowable noise level.
Although noises of about 60 dB are at a safe decibel range for humans, it’s still advisable to avoid long-term exposure.
Why Are Sound Pressure Levels Measured in dB/dBA?
A decibel is a unit of measurement for sound, first and main.
It measures a sound’s volume or the power of a sound signal.
Now, you may observe that noise levels are sometimes expressed in dBA (A-weighted decibels).
Decibels are converted to dBA, which represents the ear’s response to various sound frequencies.
The human ear is less sensitive to hearing at low audio frequencies.
Hence this correction is done.
Particularly true for frequencies under 1000 Hz (1 kHz).
In other words, even though dB is a more common unit of measurement for sound, people do not perceive all frequencies equally.
So, dBA is just decibels that have been adjusted to take into consideration human hearing.
Decibel Levels That Are Appropriate in Residential Areas
Sound pressure levels above 85 decibels are usually regarded to be harmful to human hearing (dB).
This is the most typical maximum value allowed in industrial zones as a result.
The permissible decibel level is lower in residential areas, though.
State-by-state and country-by-country variations are typical regarding the allowable decibel level for residential zones.
Yet, a minimum level of noise is appropriate for all residential locations.
Disturbing noise is defined as any sound that is louder than 70 dB.
Ordinarily, residential noise limits are set at 60 or 55 decibels (the equivalent noise of a regular vacuum cleaner).
There may also be time limits, which are typically in effect between 10 nights and 7 am.
Hearing Loss and Noise
Noise can have negative effects, as seen by the abovementioned noise level charts, decibel charts, and decibel scale charts.
Yet, noise is all around us since we all live in a busy and exciting environment.
Unless you live in a very distant place, you are probably affected by noise pollution from the train station to the park.
The problem is that excessive noise might harm your hearing severely.
You shouldn’t assume you are safe just because you reside in a place with less noise pollution.
Even the noise from an overhead plane, a loud movie, or a concert might have negative impacts.
The main thing is to understand that, even while you can’t always prevent it, you can try to lessen the impacts, and that’s what we’ll talk about in this.
Due to excessive noise, 10 million Americans suffer from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the medical term for permanent hearing loss.
This has a number of serious issues, one of which is the fact that this kind of hearing loss frequently develops gradually over time.
This makes it difficult to notice until the harm has already been done. The crucial question is now: How loud is too loud?
Every decibel chart has shown you, most likely for the first time, that sounds louder than 80 dBs—more particularly, 85 dBs—can eventually lead to serious issues.
The maximum suggested exposure time is 8 hours at 85 dB.
You should, therefore, make every effort to reduce these influences.
It’s important to avoid being too close to the source of loud noises if you’re going to be exposed to it for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
Any “unwanted” sound is referred to as noise.
Many things make noise, including tools, industries, cars, and construction sites.
The development of automobiles, heavy industries, power equipment, etc., has led to a major increase in noise pollution.
We can take the necessary precautions if we know the noise levels that are safe for human ears.
The fundamentals of sound and noise were covered in this guide.