How Loud is Too Loud

Sounds are measured in decibels (dB or dBA). Those at or below 70 decibels are considered safe to listen to for any period. Those at 85 decibels or higher are more likely to damage your hearing over time. You need to take precautions to protect your ears from those sounds.

Below are some common loud noises and how they measure in decibels, from quietest to loudest.

● Dishwasher, clothes dryer or conversation with a friend: 60 dBA

● Vacuum cleaner: 70 dBA

● Gas-powered lawn mower: 91 dBA

● Hair dryer, kitchen blender or food processor: 94 dBA

● Watching a movie in a theater: 70 to 104 dB

● Gas-powered leaf blower or snowblower: 106 dBA

● Motorcycle: 80 to 110 dB

● Live sports event: 94 to 110 dB

● Listening to music with headphones (at highest volume): 96 to 110 dB

● Rock concert: 95 to 115 dB

● Sirens: 120 dB

● Jackhammer: 130 dBA

● Fireworks at 3 feet or shotgun: 150 dB

And the damage to your ears may happen quickly. For example, mowing the lawn with a gas-powered mower can cause damage after a couple of hours. Attending a rock concert can cause damage in 2 minutes.

However, this does not mean you must stop watching movies or put away your hair dryer or home repair power tools. The key is moderation, and you should limit your exposure to these loud noises as much as possible. That is especially true if you work in a factory or in construction, because you’re exposed to loud sounds for 8 hours a day or more. That’s when you need hearing protection.

https://www.uhchearing.com/resources/articles/article/hearing-health/thats-loud-everyday-activities-could-harm-your-hearing