Elliot Kim
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend maintaining environmental noise levels at 70 dB or below. Sounds at or below 70 dB are considered safe for human hearing, with exposure to sounds above this level potentially causing hearing loss. Sources of noise that can exceed safe levels include the workplace, commutes, social activities, and the use of personal listening devices. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable through the use of hearing protection, increasing distance from noise sources, and taking quiet breaks to rest one's ears.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sound level for hearing | 70 dB or lower |
| Hazardous sound level for hearing | 85 dB or higher |
| Safe listening time for 85 dB | 8 hours |
| Safe level for headphones and earbuds | 50-60% of maximum volume |
| Recommended sound level for communal environments | 45-55 dB |
| Recommended sound level for offices and courtrooms | 40-45 dB |
| Recommended environmental noise level by WHO and EPA | 70 dB |
| Recommended noise limit indoors by EPA | 45 dB |
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What You'll Learn
Safe and dangerous decibel levels
Decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement for sound. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that loudness is not directly proportional to sound intensity. Instead, sound intensity grows very quickly—a sound at 20 dB is 10 times more intense than a sound at 10 dB, and would be perceived as twice as loud.
Sounds at or below 70 dB are considered safe for hearing, even after long exposure. This is the sound level of a normal conversation between two people.
Sounds at 80 dB or above are considered dangerous and will damage hearing over time. This is the sound of heavy traffic from inside a car. If you need to shout to be heard by someone at arm's length, noise levels are probably above 85 dB and could cause damage to your hearing. The safe exposure time for 85 dB is eight hours a day. For every 3 dB above this, the safe exposure time halves. For example, the safe exposure time for 88 dB is four hours.
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. You can protect your hearing by being mindful of volume levels, moving away from loud sounds, and using hearing protection such as earplugs, earmuffs, or noise-cancelling headphones.
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Workplace noise exposure
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and exposure to noise over 85 dB can damage your hearing. If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away, noise levels might be over 85 dB. Sounds at or below 70 dB are considered safe for your hearing. Repeated exposure to noise at a level of 70 dB can cause permanent hearing issues.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended that worker exposure to noise should be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dB for eight hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss. OSHA sets legal limits on noise exposure in the workplace. These limits are based on a worker's time-weighted average over an 8-hour day. With noise, OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dB for all workers for an 8-hour day.
To control and reduce noise in the workplace, you should measure workplace areas with a sound level meter (SLM) and create a noise map of facility areas. You can also use personal noise dosimeters to assess a worker's personal noise exposure. Dosimeters average noise levels over time and calculate a noise dose. When noise levels in an area are fairly constant, you can use SLMs to estimate the noise exposure in that area.
Providing quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources is another way to control noise exposure. This may include constructing a soundproof room where workers' hearing can recover. Increasing the distance between the noise source and the worker also reduces their exposure. Hearing protection devices (HPDs), such as earmuffs and plugs, are another option to control exposures to noise.
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Noise-induced hearing loss
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. To put this into context, a normal conversation between two people is around 60 dB, while heavy traffic noise is around 80 dB. Headphones and earbuds can reach volumes of 100 dB or more, so it is recommended to listen at 50-60% of the maximum volume to protect your hearing.
Certain recreational activities can put you at risk of NIHL, including target shooting, hunting, snowmobile riding, listening to music at high volumes through earbuds or headphones, playing in a band, and attending loud concerts. At home, common sources of harmful noise include lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and woodworking tools. In the workplace, an estimated 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year. Jobs that may involve high levels of noise include those at sports venues, entertainment establishments, tarmacs, or operating a jackhammer.
To prevent NIHL, it is important to limit exposure to loud noises and to wear hearing protection when necessary. This can include carrying and wearing earplugs, turning down the volume on devices, and taking quiet breaks to rest your ears. It is also recommended to monitor sound levels, optimize acoustics, and provide ear protection in venues and events where amplified music is played.
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Hearing protection
Exposure to noise above 70 dB (decibels) can cause hearing loss over time. To put this into context, a normal conversation between two people is around 60 dB, while heavy traffic noise is around 80 dB. If you need to shout at a friend who is at arm's length, or you can hear music coming from someone else's headphones, the volume is likely at least 85 dB, which is the maximum safe level for workplace noise exposure over an eight-hour period.
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. If you are exposed to loud noise, it is recommended that you limit the time spent in noisy environments and use hearing protection. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earplugs, earmuffs, and plugs can reduce your risk of hearing damage. Carrying earplugs with you is a good way to ensure your ears are protected wherever you go, in the same way that you might carry sunscreen to protect your skin.
When using personal listening devices, such as headphones or earbuds, it is recommended to keep the volume at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum volume. This will allow you to listen to music safely and for longer. Both Apple and Android phones support sound level meter apps that can measure decibels and alert you when noise levels are too high. Reducing the volume by just 3 dB cuts the risk of hearing damage in half.
In the workplace, employers are required to implement a hearing conservation program when employee noise exposures equal or exceed 85 dB as an eight-hour time-weighted average. Hearing conservation programs aim to prevent hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing, and provide workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices they need to protect themselves. Engineering or administrative controls, such as eliminating or substituting noise sources, are also required when noise exposure exceeds 90 dB as an eight-hour time-weighted average.
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Safe listening times
In non-occupational settings, such as recreational or environmental noise exposure, different standards apply. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend maintaining environmental noise levels at 70 dB and below over a 24-hour period. The EPA further recommends a limit of 75 dB over an 8-hour period.
It is important to note that children are more vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss, as their auditory system is still developing. Therefore, it is crucial to limit their exposure to loud noises and provide them with appropriate hearing protection when necessary.
To protect your hearing, it is recommended to carry earplugs, reduce the volume when possible, and take quiet breaks to rest your ears. Additionally, be aware of the signs of early hearing damage, such as tinnitus or muffled hearing. By taking proactive measures, you can help ensure safe listening times and maintain your hearing health.
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Frequently asked questions
According to OSHA noise level standards, employers must provide hearing protection to employees exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or higher. This is also the maximum "safe level" for an eight-hour workday.
Residential noise limits typically range from 55 dB to 70 dB, depending on the location and time. Noises above 70 dB are generally considered disturbing.
Headphones and earbuds can reach volumes of 100 dB or more, so it is recommended to keep the volume between 50% and 60% of the maximum.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend maintaining environmental noise levels at or below 70 dB.
Sounds at 80 dB or higher can damage your hearing over time. Noise levels above 140 dB can cause immediate and permanent hearing damage.
