Industrial workplace noises, gunfire, loud music, and other common, everyday sounds that are louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Just how loud is 85 decibels? Take a look at these decibel ratings and permissible exposure times provided by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIOSH/CDC.)
Intensities of Common Sounds in Decibels
|
Sounds |
Intensities |
Permissible exposure time |
|
City Traffic, inside the car |
85 dB |
8 hours |
|
Bull Dozer |
88 dB |
4 hours |
|
Jazz Concert |
91 dB |
2 hours |
|
Power Mower |
94 dB |
1 hour |
|
Night Club |
97 dB |
30 minutes |
|
Ambulance Siren, inside; |
100 dB |
15 minutes |
|
Rock Concert, Leaf Blower |
115 dB |
30 seconds |
|
Ambulance |
125 dB |
|
|
Jet from 100 feet |
135 dB |
|
|
Gun Shot |
145 dB |
|
|
12-guage Shot Gun |
165 dB |
For a complete listing of over 1700 noises and their corresponding decibel levels, check out the Noise Navigator at: http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/Noise_Nav.xls1