Logarithmic scale decibels how to#

In normal atmospheric conditions, the maximum sound level achievable on earth is 194 decibels. On the other hand, sound pressure refers to just how loud the source of noise is from a given distance. Sound power level refers to the actual sound energy emitted by a source of the noise.

The decibel scale utilizes the sound power and sound pressure level to gauge exactly how loud a sound is to the human ear. However, the most common sound range lies between 30 dB and 100 dB. If the dB scale exceeds 140, then you will experience pain in your eardrums. On the other hand, 120 dB is the maximum threshold for comfortable sounds. Exposure to such low sound frequency can even have unmitigated psychological effects on human beings. 0 dB represents the threshold of our hearing capacity and is barely audible in extremely quiet environmental conditions. Our ears can sense the vibrations in the air as sound pressure. Sound is very complex and consists of vibrations usually traveling through a medium (air). Decibels use a logarithmic scale, so it represents a ratio. To express sound in a meaningful and manageable way, the levels are expressed in numbers with a logarithmic scale referred to as the decibel scale, abbreviated as dB. What one person may be able to hear, another person may not. Some people are very sensitive to loud sounds.

Logarithmic scale decibels how to#

We will also investigate some common sounds in relation to their decibel scale through a comparison chart, factors influencing hearing damage, and how to protect your ears from loud noises. In this article, we will discuss what decibel levels correspond to the sounds we hear daily. In fact, over 40 million Americans suffer from hearing damage due to exposure to loud noise. Loud noise levels can have temporary or permanent damage to your hearing. The noise level is equivalent to that of a whisper, not too loud to be uncomfortable but loud enough to be heard, especially in a quiet environment. Sounds that clock 30 decibels are among the lowest levels that most adults can detect. However, the effects of noise levels on hearing vary from one person to another. Our ears have a remarkable ability to handle an extensive range of sound levels.