How Loud Is Too Loud?

Posted by jonathan on March 17, 2011 under Prevention | Be the First to Comment

Experts agree that over time continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA  will cause hearing loss.

To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness

level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before

hearing loss will occur. According to  the Occupational Safety and Health Association,

the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time

is one minute and 29 seconds. If someone must be around noise, it is recommended that they

limit the exposure and/or wear hearing protection.

Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, noise levels may vary depending on the particular item.

Keep in mind that 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140 dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.

Points of Reference

0 dBA 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