How loud is loud?
Examples of different machinery and activities and the average sound levels they produce. A guide to help you protect your hearing.
How loud is loud?
Loud sounds are part of everyday life; from traffic and power tools to music, gigs and festivals. But when sound is too loud, or lasts too long, it can damage your hearing and increase your risk of tinnitus.
This page explains what “too loud” usually means, how to recognise risky noise, and what you can do to protect your hearing.
A quick guide
- If you have to raise your voice to speak to someone about two meters away, it’s probably too loud.
- Ringing or muffled hearing after noise is a warning sign.
- Hearing damage from noise is permanent, but much of it is preventable.
What are decibels (dB)?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB).
Decibels work on a logarithmic scale, which means small increases in dB represent a big increase in sound energy. In simple terms: a sound doesn’t have to feel much louder to be much more damaging.
When does sound become a risk?
In the UK, workplace guidance gives a useful reference point:
- Around 80dB: hearing risk should be assessed.
- Around 85 dB: hearing protection is recommended if exposure continues.
- The louder the sound, the less time it takes for damage to occur.
In social settings like gigs, clubs, and festivals, sound levels can often exceed these levels (sometimes for long periods) without clear warnings.
Loudness and time both matter
It’s not just how loud something is, but how long you’re exposed.
- Moderate noise for a long time can still cause damage.
- Very loud noise can cause damage in minutes.
- Repeated exposure over days and weeks adds up.
If it’s loud, reduce the time you’re exposed to it and use hearing protection.
Typical sound levels (approximate)
These examples are guides only. Actual sound levels vary depending on distance, equipment and your surroundings.
| Decibel level | Source of sound | Length of time |
|---|---|---|
| 15dB | Leaves rustling | Indefinite - safe level |
| 30dB | A quiet room | Indefinite - safe level |
| 40dB | A quiet library, birds calling, refrigerator hum | Indefinite - safe level |
| 55dB | Normal conversation | Indefinite - safe level |
| 60dB | Dishwasher | Indefinite - safe level |
| 70dB | Car at 10 metres; vacuum cleaner; washing machine; shower, piano practice | Indefinite - safe level |
| 80dB | Busy traffic at 10 metres; alarm clock; whistle; freight train at 15 metres | Indefinite - safe level |
| 85dB | Kitchen blender; noisy restaurant; | 8 hours |
| 88dB | Forklift truck | 4 hours |
| 90dB | Power tools; lawnmower; kitchen blenders; hair dryers; Tube train; diesel truck | 2 hours |
| 100dB | Bulldozer; road drill at 1 metre; chain saw; jet ski; automatic hand dryer | 15 minutes |
| 103dB | MP3 player at full volume | 7 minutes and 30 seconds |
| 106dB | Motorbike; nightclub; bars | 3 minutes and 45 seconds |
| 110dB | Sporting events; car horns; symphony orchestra; leaf blower; barking in ear; riveting machine | 1 minute and 42 seconds |
| 115dB | Ambulance siren; live rock band | 28 seconds |
| 120dB | Loud car stereo; Amplified music at 2 metres; thunderclap; siren 1 metre; oxygen torch | 7 seconds |
| 130dB | Jet taking off at 100 metres | Less than 1 second |
| 140dB | Rifle being fired at 1 metre | No safe time |
| 150dB | Rock music peak | No safe time |
How can I tell if it’s too loud?
You may be in a risky noise environment if:
- you need to shout to be heard
- your ears feel uncomfortable or painful
- you notice ringing after
- sounds seem muffled after you leave
These are signs your ears are under strain.
Sound level meter apps can give a rough idea of loudness, but they are not always accurate.
How to protect your hearing
At gigs, clubs and festivals
- Carry earplugs and use them.
- Move away from speakers where possible.
- Take breaks in quieter areas.
- If you get ringing or muffled hearing afterwards, protect your ears next time.
Using headphones or earbuds
- Keep the volume at a comfortable level.
- Use our headphone safety features on your phone
- Take listening breaks.
- Noise-cancelling headphones can help you avoid turning the volume up.
At work
- If your job is noisy, your employer should assess risk and provide hearing protection.
- Use hearing protection properly and consistently.
If you think you’ve overdone it
If you notice ringing or muffled hearing after loud noise:
- Give your ears a rest from loud sound for the next day or two.
- If symptoms don’t settle, or you’re worried, speak to your GP or seek hearing support from a local audiologist.
Need more help?
If you’re concerned about tinnitus or hearing problems, we’re here to help.
You can contact Tinnitus UK for information, support and guidance.