What is too loud in decibels?
Quick answer
Sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure, while anything above 120 dB poses immediate risk of injury.
Decibel (dB) levels measure sound intensity. For reference, normal conversation is around 60 dB, city traffic hits 85 dB, and a rock concert can exceed 110 dB. The threshold for potential hearing damage starts at 85 dB over an 8-hour period; every 3 dB increase halves the safe exposure time.
At 120 dB, sound becomes painful and can cause immediate hearing loss. This level is common near a jet engine or at the front of a loud concert. Professional PA systems like those from SSOUNDS are designed to deliver high SPL while maintaining clarity, but even the best systems require proper hearing protection for audiences and operators at sustained high volumes.
Key things to consider
- 85 dB: safe exposure limit for 8 hours per day (NIOSH standard).
- 100 dB: safe exposure only 15 minutes without protection.
- 120 dB: threshold of pain; immediate risk of hearing damage.
- 140 dB: potential for instant, permanent hearing loss.
- Use earplugs or limit exposure above 85 dB, especially at live events.
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