How Loud Is Too Loud?Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Sounds at or above 85 dBA* can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the quicker it can damage your hearing. *dBA = A-weighted decibels

2 m

inut

es a

t 110

dBA

ca

n da

mag

e yo

ur h

earin

g.

140–160 dBAFireworks show

140 dBAJet taking off

110–129 dBAAmbulance sirens

14 m

inut

es a

t 100

dBA

ca

n da

mag

e yo

ur h

earin

g. 94–110 dBAHeadphones, sporting events, and concerts

8 ho

urs a

t 85

dBA

can

dam

age

your

hea

ring.

80–110 dBAMotorcycle

80–100 dBALawnmower or tractor

74–104 dBAMovie theater

At o

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ow 7

0 dB

A, s

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60–70 dBANormal conversation

30 dBA Whisper

Why Protect Your Hearing?Noise-induced hearing loss:• Can build over time.• Is permanent.• Is preventable.

How to Protect Your Hearing:• Lower the volume.• Move away from

the noise.• Wear hearing protectors,

such as earplugs or earmuffs.

®

https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov

Toll-free voice: (800) 241-1044

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHAND HUMAN SERVICESNational Institutes of HealthNational Institute on Deafness andOther Communication Disorders

NIH Publication No. 18-DC-6431May 2018

It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing.® and the Noisy Planet logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: CDC National Center for Environmental Health

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