Decibel level of what we hear
10 dB - Normal breathing
20 dB - Rustling leaves, mosquito
30 dB - Whisper
40 dB - Stream, refrigerator humming
50-60 dB - Quiet office
50-65 dB - Normal conversation
60-65 dB - Laughter
70 dB - Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer
75 dB - Dishwasher
78 dB - Washing machine
80 dB - Garbage disposal, city traffic noise
Prolonged exposure to any noise above 90 dB can cause gradual hearing loss.
84 dB - Diesel truck
70-90 dB - Recreational vehicle
88 dB - Subway, motorcycle
85-90 dB - Lawnmower
100 dB - Train, garbage truck
97 dB - Newspaper press
98 dB - Farm tractor
Regular exposure of 100+ dB for more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.
103 dB - Jet flyover at 100 feet
105 dB - Snowmobile
110 dB - Jackhammer, power saw, symphony orchestra
120 dB - Thunderclap, discotheque/boom box
110-125 - dB Stereo
110-140 dB - Rock concerts
130 dB - Jet takeoff, shotgun firing
145 dB - Boom cars
Check out the Hearing Care Blog