English
This decibel (dB) table compares some common sounds and shows how they
rank in potential harm to hearing.
SOUND
Whisper
Quiet Of ce
Vacuum Cleaner,
Hair Dryer
Food Blender
Garbage Truck,
Cement Mixer
Power Saw,
Drill/Jackhammer
Rock Concert (varies)
* Chart information from http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/education/teachers/pages/common_sounds.aspx
NOISE LEVEL
EFFECT
(dB)
30
Very quiet
50-60
Comfortable hearing levels
are under 60dB
70
Intrusive; interferes with
telephone conversations
85-90
85 dB is the level at which hearing
damage (8 hrs.) begins
100
No more than 15 minutes
of unprotected exposure
recommended for sounds between
90-100 dB
110
Regular exposure to sound over
100 dB of more than 1 minute risks
permanent hearing loss
110-140
Threshold of pain begins
around 125 dB
5