Comparing loudness of common sounds
Comparing loudness of common sounds
The chart below lists common sounds and their decibel levels. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe noise level is 70 decibels. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause permanent hearing damage.
|
Sound levels of common noises |
|
|
Decibels |
Noise source |
|
|
Safe range |
|
30 |
Whisper |
|
40 |
Refrigerator |
|
60 |
Normal conversation |
|
75 |
Dishwasher |
|
|
Risk range |
|
85 |
Heavy city traffic, school cafeteria |
|
95 |
Motorcycle |
|
100 |
Snowmobile |
|
110 |
Chain saw, jackhammer, rock concert, symphony |
|
115 |
Sandblasting |
|
120 |
Ambulance siren, thunder |
|
140-165 |
Firecracker, firearms |
Maximum sound-exposure durations
Below are the maximum noise levels on the job to which you may be exposed without hearing protection, and for how long.
|
Maximum job-noise exposure allowed by law |
|
|
Sound level, decibels |
Duration, daily |
|
BASED ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, 2008 |
|
|
90 |
8 hours |
|
92 |
6 hours |
|
95 |
4 hours |
|
97 |
3 hours |
|
100 |
2 hours |
|
102 |
1.5 hours |
|
105 |
1 hour |
|
110 |
30 minutes |
|
115 |
15 minutes or less |
Complications
Hearing loss can have a significant effect on your quality of life. Older adults with hearing loss may report feelings of depression. Because hearing loss can make conversation difficult, some people experience feelings of isolation. Hearing loss is also associated with cognitive impairment and decline.
The mechanism of interaction between hearing loss, cognitive impairment, depression and isolation is being actively studied. Initial research suggests that treating hearing loss can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, especially memory.
Prevention
The following steps can help you prevent noise-induced hearing loss and avoid worsening of age-related hearing loss:
- Protect your ears. Limiting the duration and intensity of your exposure to noise is the best protection. In the workplace, plastic earplugs or glycerin-filled earmuffs can help protect your ears from damaging noise.
- Have your hearing tested. Consider regular hearing tests if you work in a noisy environment. If you've lost some hearing, you can take steps to prevent further loss.
- Avoid recreational risks. Activities such as riding a snowmobile, hunting, using power tools or listening to rock concerts can damage your hearing over time. Wearing hearing protectors or taking breaks from the noise can protect your ears. Turning down the music volume is helpful too.