I have read many testimonies that long exposure to loud noise is a cause for tinnitus (I’m can testify it for myself).
So, just how “loud” is loud?
Well, let’s say that exposure to noise over 85 db (or decibels – a measure of sound) or more over a period of time (15 minutes) will result in hearing loss, or 110 db over 1 minute or more will also cause hearing loss. If you are exposed to lower volume noise over extended period of time, you do need need some form of ear protection to prevent permanent damage to your ears. The decibel measurement of noise scales exponentially i.e. a 2 times increase in sound volume is likely to be 4 times or more as loud.
The below examples are taken from Decibel Level of Common Sounds
- Aircraft at take-off (180 db)
- Fireworks (140 db)
- Snowmobile (120 db)
- Chain saw (110 db)
- Amplified music (110 db)
- Lawn mower (90 db)
- Noisy office (90 db)
- Vacuum cleaner (80 db)
- City traffic (80 db)
- Normal conversation (60 db)
- Refrigerator humming (40 db)
- Whisper (20 db)
- Leaves rustling (10 db)
- Calm breathing (10 db)
You might like to see here for a list of top 10 loudest noises.
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