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 |
