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How loud is too loud?
Continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA (adjusted decibels) over time will cause hearing loss. The volume (dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound will tell you how harmful the noise is.
In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur.
Point of Reference
Points of Reference *measured in dBA or decibels:
- 0 The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
- 10 normal breathing
- 20 whispering at 5 feet
- 30 soft whisper
- 50 rainfall
- 60 normal conversation
- 110 shouting in ear
- 120 thunder
Sound Absorption
The loss of sound energy when sound waves come into contact with an absorbent material such as ceilings, walls, floors and other objects.
Environmental Noise Levels
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is eight hours.
At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds. If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection.
A three dBA increase doubles the amount of noise, and halves the recommended amount of exposure time.
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