Safe Noise Levels: OSHA & NIOSH Hearing Guidelines
Safe decibel level chart with OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits. Learn how to calculate safe listening times and prevent hearing loss.
How Loud is Too Loud?
Hearing loss is often painless, progressive, and permanent. It usually happens gradually—you might not notice it until you realize you're constantly asking people to repeat themselves. The key to prevention is understanding Safe Noise Levels.
Danger
The Danger Zone: Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Sounds above 120 dB can cause immediate harm.
Interactive Exposure Limit Calculator
Select a standard to see how long you can safely listen at different volumes.
| Sound Level | Safe Duration | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 85 dB | 8 hours | Busy traffic, vacuum cleaner |
| 88 dB | 4 hours | Loud restaurant, food blender |
| 91 dB | 2 hours | Power lawn mower |
| 94 dB | 1 hour | Belt sander, loud factory |
| 97 dB | 30 min | Motorcycle (at ear) |
| 100 dB | 15 min | Chainsaw, snowmobile |
| 103 dB | 7.5 min | Jackhammer, concert |
| 106 dB | 3.75 min | Marching band, loud headphones |
| 109 dB | < 2 min | Power tools, loud club |
| 112 dB | < 1 min | Rock concert (front row) |
| 115 dB | < 30 sec | Emergency siren, max volume headphones |
OSHA vs. NIOSH: Which Standard Should You Follow?
There are two main standards for noise exposure in the United States. They differ significantly in their strictness.
1. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Purpose: Legal workplace limits for industry.
- Limit: 90 dB for 8 hours.
- Exchange Rate: 5 dB (Every 5 dB increase halves safe exposure time).
- Verdict: Considered too lenient by most audiologists for general hearing health.
2. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- Purpose: Recommended best practices for health.
- Limit: 85 dB for 8 hours.
- Exchange Rate: 3 dB (Every 3 dB increase halves safe exposure time).
- Verdict: Recommended. Follow NIOSH guidelines to best protect your hearing.
Safe Decibel Levels Chart (NIOSH Standard)
Here is a breakdown of common sounds and their maximum safe exposure times.
| Decibel Level (dBA) | Max Safe Duration | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 30 dB | Unlimited | Rustling leaves, whisper |
| 30 - 60 dB | Unlimited | Quiet library, normal conversation |
| 60 - 80 dB | Unlimited | Vacuum cleaner, city traffic (inside car) |
| 85 dB | 8 Hours | Heavy traffic, noisy restaurant |
| 88 dB | 4 Hours | Motorcycle engine, lawnmower |
| 91 dB | 2 Hours | Subway train, hair dryer |
| 94 dB | 1 Hour | Blender, power tools |
| 97 dB | 30 Minutes | Industrial alarm |
| 100 dB | 15 Minutes | Tractor, garbage truck, sporting event |
| 105 dB | < 5 Minutes | Rock concert, earbuds at max volume |
| 110 dB | < 2 Minutes | Chainsaw, leaf blower |
| 120 dB+ | Immediate Danger | Siren, jet takeoff, gunshot (140+ dB) |
Signs of Hearing Damage
Damage isn't always obvious immediately. Watch for these signs:
- Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears after noise exposure.
- Muffling: Sounds feel "cottony" or dull. Voices sound like mumbling.
- Threshold Shift: Needing to turn the TV volume up higher than usual.
- Hyperacusis: Sensitivity to normal everyday sounds.
4 Ways to Protect Your Hearing
1. The 60/60 Rule
When using headphones or earbuds:
- Set volume to no more than 60%.
- Listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
2. Wear Protection
Carry high-fidelity earplugs (like Eargasms or Etymotics) to concerts. They lower the volume without muffling the sound quality. Foam plugs are great for power tools.
- Foam Plugs: Reduce noise by ~20–30 dB (great protection, muffled sound).
- Hi-Fi Plugs: Reduce noise by ~15–20 dB (flat attenuation, clear sound).
3. Increase Distance
Sound intensity follows the Inverse Square Law. Doubling your distance from a sound source reduces the sound pressure level by 6 dB.
- Example: Moving 10 feet away from a speaker instead of 5 feet can cut the intensity significantly.
4. Noise Cancellation
Use Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones. By reducing background noise (like airplane engines), you don't feel the need to crank up your music volume to compensate.
FAQ
Can hearing damage be reversed?
Generally, no. Noise-induced hearing loss destroys the tiny hair cells (stereocilia) in the cochlea. In mammals, these cells do not regenerate. Prevention is the only cure.
Are children's ears more sensitive?
Yes. Children have smaller ear canals, which effectively amplifies higher frequencies. They are more susceptible to damage. Ensure kids use volume-limited headphones (capped at 85 dB).
How loud is a rock concert?
Concerts typically range from 100 dB to 120 dB. Without earplugs, safe exposure time is less than 5 minutes. Always wear earplugs at live shows.
Related Tools & Guides
- Online Sound Meter - Measure noise levels in your room (Note: Device microphone limitations apply).
- Hearing Test - Check your frequency hearing range.
- Tinnitus Frequency Matcher - Identify your ringing tone.
- Decibel Levels Explained - Deep dive into how decibels work.