What Decibel Level Is Harmful to Hearing?

The decibels (dB) that measure sound show how loud the waves of sound are that reach your ear. The sound level gets ten times louder for every 10 dB rise on the scale. Because of this, even small changes in decibel levels can make something sound very loud, which could be bad for your hearing.

Levels of Decibels

There is no sound at all: 0 decibels 

We can hear sounds at a level of 0 dB, which is so low that they are almost hard to hear. This is the best place you can be, kind of like being in a quiet room. It's interesting to think about how rarely you hear nothing in real life, even though it's not dangerous.

A Whisper: 15 dB 

It's not loud enough to hurt your hearing to whisper at 15 dB. This level of noise is about the same as a light breeze or a quiet conversation in a library. It's not scary because the noise level is way below what's considered dangerous.

Talking: Around 60 dB 

It takes about 60 dB to talk; that level is often where people talk, whether they are at home, at work, or in a meeting. A lot of people think this range is good because it is safe and won't hurt their hearing over time.

A loud restaurant: 90 dB 

In places with a lot of noise, like restaurants, it can get up to 90 dB. You might not think this is very loud, but being close to it for a long time can damage your hearing. Earplugs are often worn by people who work in noisy places to keep their hearing from getting worse over time. It's important to know about this level because most people, especially in cities, don't know how common it is.

Sound Level of a Baby Crying: 110 dB 

A baby's sharp cry can be as loud as 110 dB, which is a lot of noise. It might hurt your ears if the noise keeps up for a long time. If you are exposed to these sounds for a long time without the right safety gear, you could lose your hearing temporarily or even permanently. From time to time, everyday things can get so loud that they hurt your ears.

Sound of a balloon popping: 157 dB 

It might not seem like a big deal when a balloon pops, but it's 157 dB loud. It's about the same level as gunshots or fireworks, which can hurt your hearing right away. If you hear this loud of a sound even once, it will hurt your hearing forever. This shows how important it is to be careful in places where loud noises are likely to be.

Levels Of Decibels That Are Dangerous

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has rules that tell people how to tell when noise levels are too high and could be harmful. There are steps you can take to stay safe when you know you're in a place where noise can hurt you.

85 dB or more

85 dB is the amount of sound that the WHO says could be harmful, especially if you are around it for a long time. These could be places like jobs, construction sites, or even just places where people listen to loud music. To keep your hearing from getting worse over time, you might want to wear earplugs or limit the time you spend around noise that is 85 dB or louder.

100 dB

Hearing loss is much more likely at 100 dB, and it can happen after just 15 minutes of touch. A lot of 100 dB sound sources are rock concerts, power tools, and alarms. In these situations, you need to protect your hearing right away with earplugs or earmuffs.

110 dB 

Sounds at 110 dB can damage your hearing in just a few minutes. This can happen when you're close to a jet engine or hear a baby crying nearby. Being around this much noise can hurt your hearing over time, even if it's only for a short time. Make sure you protect your ears if you're around it.

140 dB or more

The sound is 140 dB, which is not only very loud but also dangerous for your ears right away. The noise level at this point is the same as gunshots or fireworks. Just a short time of exposure  can cause hearing loss. This is why it's so important to stay away from loud noises or wear the best hearing protection you can find.

Conclusion

If you want to keep your hearing in good shape, you should learn about decibel levels and how they sound. Sounds louder than 85 decibels can be harmful, and the best way to keep your hearing healthy is to avoid being exposed to long periods of time or loud noise. A lot can be done to protect your hearing. For example, you can wear hearing protection, limit your exposure, or just pay attention to the noise around you. It is possible to enjoy life's sounds and keep your hearing healthy if you know what the risks are and do what you need to do.