Common sounds and their approximate decibel levels. Prolonged exposure above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.
| dB Level | Source / Example | Category | Relative Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Threshold of hearing | Silent | |
| 10 | Breathing, rustling leaves | Barely audible | |
| 20 | Whisper (at 1m) | Very quiet | |
| 30 | Quiet library, soft whisper | Quiet | |
| 40 | Quiet office, residential area | Quiet | |
| 50 | Moderate rainfall, refrigerator | Moderate | |
| 60 | Normal conversation, sewing machine | Moderate | |
| 70 | Vacuum cleaner, busy traffic | Loud | |
| 75 | Dishwasher, washing machine | Loud | |
| 80 | Alarm clock, busy street | Very loud | |
| 85 | Heavy traffic, power tools | ⚠️ Damage risk | |
| 90 | Lawn mower, motorcycle (8m) | ⚠️ Damage risk | |
| 95 | Electric drill, subway train | ⚠️ Damage risk | |
| 100 | Factory machinery, car horn | ⚠️ Serious risk | |
| 105 | Helicopter, chain saw | ⚠️ Serious risk | |
| 110 | Rock concert, power saw | 🔴 Painful | |
| 120 | Thunder, jet takeoff (300m) | 🔴 Pain threshold | |
| 130 | Jackhammer, air raid siren | 🔴 Instant damage | |
| 140 | Jet engine (30m), gunshot | 🔴 Instant damage | |
| 150 | Rocket launch (nearby) | 🔴 Eardrum rupture |