Noise Facts – Memtech Acoustical

What’s a dB?

Sound intensity is measured in decibels(dB). Our range of hearing starts at 0 dB and is considered safe up to 70 dB. Over and above that level it is hazardous and can result in permanent hearing damage.

Noise Control – why do we need it?

• Government Regulations enforced by OSHA, State and Local laws
• Insurance carriers are applying pressure to companies due to hearing loss claims filed under workman’s compensation laws.
• Productivity of employee: Prolonged exposure to loud environment cuts down productivity, creates stress and can lead to accidents.
• A 5-decibel reduction can cut the risk of hearing loss in half.
• The most common problem in a room is too much echo or reverberation. Too much echo can garble speech intelligibility and make music sound dreadful.
• In recording studios and broadcast facilities and echo free environment is required to guarantee speech clarity.

Typical noises rated in decibels (dB)

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155 dB – A .30 Caliber Rifle Extreme Danger!

110 dB – Rock Drill/Amplified Music

90 dB – Lawn Mower/Heavy vehicle. Limit of exposure for 8 hrs

80 dB – Computer Print Room

60 dB – Conversation – moderate

40 dB – Quiet Office

30 dB – Quiet Whisper

0 dB – No sound : Threshold of Hearing

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140 dB – A Shotgun Blast/Jet Engine (at 30 m): Extreme Danger!

120 dB – Propeller Aircraft : Threshold of Pain

130 dB – Riveting Hammer : Threshold of Feeling

100 dB – Chain Saw/Subway Station

70 dB – Noisy Restaurant or Heavy Traffic

20 dB – Buzzing Insect

10 dB – Rustle of a Leaf

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Facts about dB’s

• Auditory nerves can be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure at 90 dB
• 120 dB can cause pain and ringing in the ear
• Sharp pain and extensive destruction of the auditory nerves occurs at 140 dB
• At 150 – 160 dB massive destruction of the auditory nerves and persistent ringing in the ears will occur immediately