Safe limit recommended by CDC (NIOSH-98) is 85 dB over 8-hours

• dB, the measure of sound power, is logarithmic

• This means that with small increase in dB above the 85 dB limit, the safe time drops quickly

• The chart above shows how quickly the listening times drop above 85 dB

• Listening above the limit causes harm to the stereocilia

• Hearing loss can happen with repeated harm or by one time harm

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Safe sounds (dB): Do not typically cause damage when listening all-day

• Normal breathing (10)

• Ticking watch (20)

• Soft whisper (30)

• Refrigerator hum (40)

• Normal conversation (60)

• Air conditioner (60)

 

Just below being unsafe (dB) - you may be annoyed if listening for too long

• Washing machine (70)

• Dishwasher (70)

• City traffic, inside the car (80–85)

 

Unsafe (dB) - can cause hearing loss, pain, ear injury

• Gas-powered lawn-mowers (85-90)

• Motorcycle (95)

• Power tools (95-115)

• Approaching subway train, car horn, and sporting events such as hockey, football (100+)

• Maximum volume level for personal listening devices; a very loud radio, stereo, or television; loud entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars, rock concerts (100+)

• Shouting or barking in the ear (110+)

• Sirens (120+)

• Firecrackers (140-150+)