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How Loud Is Too Loud?

The decibel scale, which measures the intensity of sounds, is logarithmic: An increase of 10 decibels means that a sound is 10 times more powerful, or twice as loud. Here are some points of comparison for various decibel readings - and what they mean for your hearing.

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The decibel scale, which measures the intensity of sounds, is logarithmic: An increase of 10 decibels means that a sound is 10 times more powerful, or twice as loud. Here are some points of comparison for various decibel readings - and what they mean for your hearing.

130dB

Jet takeoff or shotgun

120

Thunderclap

110

Rock concert

100

Train or garbage truck

90

Passing motorcycle

80

Garbage disposal

or city traffic

70

Hairdryer or

vacuum cleaner

SOURCE: National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse

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