Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you need to know what the word decibel (dB) means? Do you want a decibel chart so that you can know what noise levels are safe? Decibels are used in sound recording, radio, and live concert reinforcement. Keep reading What Does Decibel Mean? (In Less than 3 Minutes) to learn what it is and how it works.
What Does Decibel Mean: What Is It?
Decibels measure the sound pressure level:
- In other words, it’s a scale that measures how loud things are.
- Since it’s logarithmic, the scale gets exponentially louder the bigger the numbers get. However, this works because our ears hear things logarithmically (not just for loudness, but also for pitch).
- For example, if you increase your volume by 10 dB, you’ll have increased the power by 10 times. However, it will only sound around twice as loud to your ears.
What Does Decibel Mean: How Loud Is It? (Decibel Chart)
Decibel charts usually compare dB levels to familiar sounds to give people reference points.
- 0 dB is the threshold of your ability to hear things. Below this is silence.
- Your typical conversation is about 60 dB.
- A jet plane is about 120 dB, which is why workers on a runway need to wear ear protection.
Decibel Chart
- 0 = Silence
- 10 = Rustling leaves
- 20 = Ticking watch
- 30 = A whisper
- 40 = Light rain
- 50 = Medium rain
- 60 = Air conditioner
- 70 = Washing machine
- 80 = Alarm clock
- 90 = Hair dryer
- 100 = Lawn mower
- 110 = Night club
- 120 = Concert
Because the noise level at nightclubs and concerts is so high, musicians and audience members need to wear hearing protection when attending these events!
Video: Using a dB Meter to Calibrate Your Home Theatre
What Does Decibel Mean: What Are Safe Levels?
What are safe noise levels?
- This is important information for everyone, but especially for musicians who are exposed to loud sounds on a regular basis.
- 70 dB and below are safe sound pressure levels.
- Above this level it can possibly damage your hearing, depending on how long you’re exposed to the noise.
What are the loudness ranges?
- 40 dB and below are quiet sounds.
- 50 to 70 are medium loud noises.
- 70 to 90 are loud sounds.
- Noise in the 90 to 110 range will be dangerous for periods longer than 30 minutes.
- 120 and above are painful and instantly damaging.
Links to SPL (sound pressure level) meters:
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Decibels measure the sound pressure level.
- A noise that is increased by 10 dB will sound around twice as loud to your ears.
- Decibel charts usually compare dB to familiar sounds to give people reference points.
- 70 dB and below are safe sound pressure levels.
- Because the noise level at nightclubs and concerts is so high, musicians and audience members need to wear hearing protection when attending these events!
Related Posts
- Basic Acoustics, Music Pitch, and Sound Vibration Frequencies
- What’s the Meaning of Resonate in the Context of Music?
- Intonation and Supplemented Equal Temperament
© 2025 Geoffrey Keith
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