How loud is it?

Excessive noise can temporarily or permanently hearing. There also is mounting evidence that noise may adversely affect the cardiovascular, endocrine, and muscular systems, and may also lead to stress-related disorders, such as nervousness, chronic fatigue, increased blood pressure, and impaired concentration and mental function.

Here are some examples of common noises and their levels in
decibels (dB):


Noise Source

dB Level

Quietest audible sound for persons with excellent hearing in laboratory conditions

0

Normal breathing (quietest audible sound for persons with normal hearing)

10

Rustling leaves (noticeably quiet)

20

Hairdryer (somewhat loud)

60

Motorcycle at 15 meters (loud—interrupts conversation)

80

Shouting in ear (threshold of discomfort)

110

Thunder (deafening, human pain limit)

120

Jet plane takeoff (short exposure can cause hearing damage)

150


Want to see more?

Work Noise Sources

Noise Source

dB Level

Quiet office / library

40

Large office

50

Power lawn mower

65-95

Manual machine tools

80

Handsaw

85

Tractor

90

Subway

90-115

Electric drill

95

Factory machinery

100

Woodworking class

100

Snow blower

105

Power saw

110

Leaf blower

110

Chainsaw

120

Hammer on nail

120

Pneumatic drills/heavy machine

120

Jet plane (at ramp)

120

Ambulance siren

120

Chainsaw

125

Jackhammer/power drill

130

Air raid

130

Percussion section at symphony

130

Airplane taking off

140

Jet engine taking off

150

Artillery fire at 500 feet

150

Rocket launching from pad

180


Home Noise Sources

Noise Source

dB Level

Refrigerator

50

Electric toothbrush

50-60

Washing machine

50-75

Air conditioner

50-76

Electric shaver

50-80

Coffee percolator

55

Dishwasher

55-70

Sewing machine

80-90

Vacuum cleaner

60-85

Hair dryer

60-95

Alarm clock

65-80

Television audio

70

Coffee grinder

70-80

Toilet Flush

75-85

Pop-up toaster

80

Doorbell

80

Ringing telephone

80

Whistling kettle

80

Food mixer or processor

80-90

Blender

80-90

Garbage Disposal

80-95

Baby crying

110

Squeaky toy held close to ear

110

Noisy squeak toys

135


Recreation Noise Sources

Noise Source

dB Level

Quiet residential area

40

Freeway traffic

70

Heavy traffic

85

Noisy restaurant

85

Truck

90

Shouted conversation

90

Motorcycle

95-110

Snowmobile

100

School dance

100

Boom box

100

Disco

110

Busy video arcade

110

Symphony concert

110

Car horn

110

Rock concert

110-120

Football game (stadium)

117

Band concert

120

Auto stereo

125

Stock car races

130

Bicycle horn

143

Firecracker

150

Cap gun

156

Balloon pop

157

Fireworks (at 3 feet)

162

Rifle

162

Handgun

166

Shotgun

170