At what level can noise damage hearing?

The following is from the FAQ section of a British Company called All Ear Plugs.

​Sensitivity to noise is unique to the individual. However, there is a general rule that can be applied. A sound is considered safe to hear if it is 85dB or less, which is the equivalent of a telephone dial tone. Safe sounds include the whisper of a quiet library, the sound of a normal conversation and the noise of city traffic whilst in your car. However, harmful noises can include a train whistle at 500 feet, the sound of a tube train, a power mower, motorcycle and power saw at 3 feet. Hearing loss may occur with sustained exposure to sounds that are measured between 90-95dB.

It is not only the level of noise, but also the duration of exposure that determines whether it is a threat to your hearing.

There are two determining factors on how noise affects you.

• the level of noise and
• how long you are exposed to it.

According to the ear plugs specialists at All Ear Plugs, for every three decibels over 85dB the time you can be exposed to it without running the risk of temporary or permanent damage is halved. For a sound that is measured at 88dB continuously the permissible exposure time is four hours, but for a measured 91dB noise the time descends down to only two hours of continuous exposure.

If you want a visual of how loudness affects your hearing, look at this great infographic from the All Ear Plugs website. I hope they don’t mind me sharing this with you, but I feel it is critical information. Support them. 

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