Online Decibel Meter

Keep your ears safe from loud noise

Keep your ears safe from loud noise. Learn about safe exposure times, hearing protection types, and prevention tips. Understand OSHA guidelines and when to use earplugs or earmuffs for hearing safety.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Permanent damage to your inner ear from loud sounds. It can happen gradually from long-term exposure or suddenly from extremely loud noises.

Safe Exposure Guidelines

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provides these safe noise exposure times:

85 dB8 hours
88 dB4 hours
91 dB2 hours
94 dB1 hour
97 dB30 minutes
100 dB15 minutes
103 dB7.5 minutes
106 dB3.75 minutes
109 dB1.88 minutes
112 dB56 seconds
115 dB28 seconds

When to Use Hearing Protection

85+ dBUse hearing protection for prolonged exposure
100+ dBAlways use hearing protection
120+ dBAvoid exposure; immediate damage risk

Understanding Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

NRR measures the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. However, the actual noise reduction is often less than the NRR number. To estimate real-world protection, subtract 7 from the NRR and divide by 2.

Example: Earplugs with NRR 33 offer about (33-7)/2 = 13 dB of protection.

Types of Hearing Protection

Earplugs

NRR: 15-33 dB

Disposable foam or reusable silicone

Best for: General noise reduction, sleeping, concerts

Earmuffs

NRR: 20-33 dB

Over-ear protection

Best for: Industrial work, shooting ranges, power tools

Custom Molded

NRR: 25-30 dB

Made to fit your ear canal

Best for: Musicians, frequent flyers, regular use

Earplugs vs. Earmuffs

Earplugs

👍

  • +Portable
  • +Inexpensive
  • +Good for hot environments
  • +Compatible with other PPE

👎

  • -Harder to insert correctly
  • -Hygiene concerns
  • -Can irritate ear canal

Earmuffs

👍

  • +Easy to fit
  • +Consistent protection
  • +Durable
  • +Visible compliance

👎

  • -Bulky
  • -Hot/Heavy
  • -Interferes with glasses/helmets

Signs of Hearing Damage

See a doctor if you experience:

  • ⚠Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • ⚠Muffled hearing after noise exposure
  • ⚠Difficulty understanding speech
  • ⚠Need to increase TV/radio volume
  • ⚠Asking people to repeat themselves

Prevention Tips

  • ✓Use the 60/60 rule: Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes
  • ✓Take listening breaks every hour
  • ✓Keep distance from loud sound sources
  • ✓Use noise-canceling headphones instead of turning up volume
  • ✓Get regular hearing tests
  • ✓Don't insert objects into ear canal

Workplace Noise Safety

Employers must provide hearing protection when noise exceeds 85 dB for 8 hours. If you work in a noisy environment:

  • •Request hearing protection equipment
  • •Participate in hearing conservation programs
  • •Get annual hearing tests
  • •Report unsafe noise levels
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