The decibel scale is used to measure sound intensity and audibility, with 85 decibels being the threshold for noise-related hearing loss. Sound level meters and dosimeters are used to measure and monitor sound levels, with the Occupational Safety and Health Association recommending a maximum SPL level of 85 decibels.
A decibel is a unit on the decibel scale, which is a logarithmic scale. The name means one-tenth of a bel, a bel is a unit of the same name named for Alexander Graham Bell and used to compare power in electrical communication, voltage or loudness of sound. The abbreviation for bel is B and decibel, dB.
10dB = 1 B
The primary use of the decibel scale today is to test audibility and the results are called sound pressure level (SPL), which is similar to loudness. The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) has established guidelines to help people determine the maximum volume they should be exposed to. The OSHA recommended SPL level is 85 decibels, above which special hearing protection is required.
Eighty-five decibels is the threshold for the possibility of noise-related hearing loss, and this guideline is intended to prevent such hearing loss. This figure suggests that many people who do not currently use hearing protection should consider it. The chart below reveals that much of the sound we are exposed to is above that 85 decibel threshold. As conditions may vary and distances are not specified, these figures are approximate.
DecibelsSound Source0low threshold of hearing10leaves rustling in the breeze; quiet whisper20 medium whisper20-50quiet conversation40-45conversation between acts in theatre; hotel lobby conversation50rain50-65loud conversation65-70moderate traffic; hairdryer65-90train75-80factory (medium)90heavy traffic; electric mower90-100thunder100boom box with volume up; chainsaw110shouting; symphony concert115rock concert120ambulance siren130pain threshold140airplane takeoff140-190space rocket takeoff170shotgun
Sound level meters, sound level meters or sound level meters are instruments used to measure the SPL, the intensity of sound, at any given moment. Such meters use frequency weighting scales that account for the difference in human sensitivity to different frequencies. The A scale, a decibel scale abbreviated as dBA or dB(A), and the C scale, a decibel scale abbreviated as dBC or dB(C), are the most commonly used. The meters can also be set to slow or fast response. The test that OSHA specifies when sound has been found to exceed the recommended level is a scale test set to slow response.
Dosimeters are like sound level meters, but they monitor, store and integrate readings over time and can provide an average reading over a specified duration. Dosimeters are used for personal noise monitoring, while sound level meters are used for area noise monitoring. Because the dosimeter is used for longer periods and to monitor the sound exposure a person experiences, it is made to be worn and has a clip microphone to pick up sound.
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