Noise sources and their loudness
Noise is measured in decibels (dB). The scale is logarithmic: 10 dB more means ten times the sound energy and is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Just 3 dB more doubles the energy reaching the ear. That is why it pays to know typical noise sources and choose hearing protection accordingly.
Decibel table of typical noise sources
The following values are guide values as published by occupational safety institutions and audiologists. The actual level depends on distance, room and device. Whispering: about 30 dB. Normal conversation: about 60 dB. Vacuum cleaner, dishwasher: 70 to 75 dB. Heavy road traffic, open-plan office with many calls: 80 to 85 dB. Lawn mower, drill, motorbike: 90 to 100 dB. Circular saw, angle grinder, jackhammer: 100 to 110 dB. Concert, club, festival in front of the stage: 100 to 110 dB. Children's birthday party with horns and screaming: up to 100 dB near the ear. Fireworks and firecrackers nearby: over 120 dB as a short impulse. Jet aircraft taking off at 100 m: about 120 dB. Snoring: 50 to 90 dB depending on the person.
When does it become critical?
In European occupational safety, 80 dB(A) is the lower and 85 dB(A) the upper exposure action value for an eight-hour working day. From 85 dB(A) wearing hearing protection at work is mandatory. For impulse noise such as gunshots or firecrackers, the upper action value is a peak level of 137 dB(C). These values refer to adults at work; there is no legal limit for leisure time. They still serve as a useful guide.
What counts is the combination of level and duration. The rule of thumb from occupational safety: for every 3 dB more, the time the ear should tolerate without protection halves. At 85 dB that is eight hours, at 88 dB four hours, at 91 dB two hours, at 100 dB only about 15 minutes. A three-hour concert at 105 dB is far beyond what makes sense without hearing protection.
What children experience differently
A child's ear canal is shorter and narrower than an adult's. Certain high frequencies are amplified inside the ear, and children often perceive the same level as louder. On top of that, children do not know when it gets too loud and cannot remove themselves. For fireworks, football stadiums, concerts and loud family parties there is therefore hearing protection in children's sizes: the MINI+ for babies up to 24 months and the Kiddies for children up to 16 years.
Which hearing protection fits which noise source
Take the level of the noise source minus the SNR of the hearing protection. The result should be below 80 dB, and the longer the situation lasts, the more clearly so. A concert at 105 dB and a Music+ with SNR 18 dB give 87 dB on paper, which is within reason for two to three hours and keeps the music intelligible. An angle grinder at 105 dB and the Work+ earmuffs with SNR 33 dB give 72 dB. What the SNR means exactly is explained on the page What is SNR?.
Night time follows different rules. Snoring at 60 dB is disturbing not because of the level but because it is irregular. Here earplugs for sleeping with SNR 22 dB are enough, and they still let the alarm clock through.
Measure it yourself
The SCHALLWERK app measures the sound level in real time with your smartphone. Accuracy depends on the microphone, but as a rough guide it is sufficient: if the app shows a steady level above 100 dB in the club, it is time for hearing protection.
Frequently asked questions
How loud are fireworks?
Firecrackers and rockets reach peak levels above 120 dB nearby. Because the noise comes as a short impulse, distance is the best protection, plus hearing protection for children and adults.
Is a children's birthday party really that loud?
Near the ear, horns and screaming briefly reach 100 dB. The continuous level is usually lower, but children with sensitive hearing benefit from the Kiddies or Kids+.
Which hearing protection for the lawn mower?
Petrol mowers are at 90 to 100 dB. The Work+ with SNR 33 dB or the Strong+ earplugs with SNR 23 dB fit, depending on how long you mow.
From how many decibels should my child wear hearing protection?
There is no legal value for children. Use the 85 dB from occupational safety as a guide and always use hearing protection at fireworks, concerts, stadiums and motorsport.