Some common levels of sound and their effects on hearing are listed in the following table:
Sound |
Decibel Level |
Affects on Hearing |
Lowest audible sound |
0 |
None |
Rustling leaves |
20 |
None |
Quiet library or office |
30–40 |
None |
Normal conversation; refrigerator running; light road traffic at a distance |
50–60 |
None |
Busy car traffic; vacuum cleaner; noisy restaurant |
70 |
None |
Heavy city traffic; subway; shop tools; power lawn mower |
80–90 |
Some damage if continuous for 8 hours or more |
Chain saw |
100 |
Some damage if continuous for 2 hours |
Rock concert |
110–120 |
Definite risk of permanent hearing loss |
Gunshot |
140 |
Immediate danger of hearing loss |
Jet engine |
150 |
Immediate danger of hearing loss |
Rocket launching pad |
160 |
Hearing loss inevitable |