What noise level is considered dangerous?
Rule of thumb: Sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing loss. Sounds below 75 dB are unlikely to cause hearing loss.
Your stay time in noise should follow the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Administration) guidelines of the U.S.
| Daily Permissible Time of Noise Exposure (OSHA) | |
| Hours per day | Sound level |
| 8 | 90dB |
| 6 | 92dB |
| 4 | 95dB |
| 3 | 97dB |
| 2 | 100dB |
| 1.5 | 102dB |
| 1 | 105dB |
| .5 | 110dB |
| .25 or less | 115dB |
Finally, some typical sounds are listed below for your reference:
| Ticking watch | 20dB |
| Quiet whisper | 30dB |
| Refrigerator hum | 40dB |
| Rainfall | 50dB |
| Sewing machine | 60dB |
| Speech | 70dB |
| Washing machine Alarm clock |
80dB |
| Average traffic | 85dB |
| MRI exam | 95dB |
| Blow dryer, subway train | 100dB |
| Power mower, chainsaw | 105dB |
| Screaming child | 110dB |
| Rock concert, thunderclap | 120dB |
| Jackhammer, jet plane (100 feet away) | 130dB |