Regional Education Service Agency 8

Regional Education Service Agency 8 :: Audiology

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How Loud Is Too Loud?

The loudness of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The general rule of thumb is that if you cannot carry on a conversation at a normal voice level, you should be using ear protection.

Some common sound levels are:

20 dB	Ticking Watch
30 dB	Quiet Whisper
40 dB	Refrigerator hum
50 dB	Rainfall	Normal Conversation
60 dB	Sewing Machine
70 dB	Washing Machine
80 dB	Alarm Clock (at 2 ft)
85 dB	Noisy Traffic
95 dB	MRI
100 dB	Blow dryer
105 dB	Power Mower	Chain Saw
110 dB	Screaming Child
120 dB	Rock Concert	Thunder Clap
130 dB	Jackhammer	Jet Plane