How many decibels is too loud?

Sound becomes risky at about 85 decibels sustained over an eight-hour day. Above that, the safe time halves for roughly every 3 dB of extra loudness, so 100 dB is safe for around fifteen minutes and 115 dB for less than a minute.

Measure your current level first, then read your reading against the limits below.

Safe listening time by decibel level

Source: NIOSH recommended exposure limit (85 dBA / 8 hours, 3 dB exchange rate). US workplace enforcement under OSHA uses a more permissive 90 dBA / 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate.

Common situations

Headphones

The WHO safe-listening guidance is 80 dB for up to 40 hours a week for adults, and 75 dB for children. As a rough check, if you cannot hear someone speaking at arm's length, your headphones are too loud.

Babies and infants

Nurseries and sleeping areas are commonly kept below 50 dB, and sustained exposure above 70 dB is discouraged. Infant hearing is more vulnerable than adult hearing, so use hearing protection at events and avoid toys that produce peaks over 85 dB close to the ear.

Neighbours, apartments and night-time noise

Many local ordinances set residential limits near 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night, and the WHO night noise guideline is 40 dB outside bedrooms. Rules vary by city, so check your local noise ordinance before relying on a number. A timed measurement with start time, duration and maximum level is far more useful in a complaint than a single peak reading.

Workplaces

A browser measurement is a useful screening step, not a compliance record. Occupational assessments require a calibrated Class 1 or Class 2 sound level meter or a personal dosimeter.

Warning signs you were exposed to too much noise

• Ringing or buzzing in your ears after leaving a venue
• Muffled hearing that takes hours to clear
• Needing to shout to be heard at arm's length
• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness

Related

• Free online sound level test
• Decibel chart of common sounds