SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Decibels
  3. 106 dB: How Loud Is 106 Decibels? Examples & Safety
Extremely loud · Sound level

How loud is 106 dB?

106 dB is extremely loud – sounds about 24.3 times as loud as normal conversation.

106 dB
0306085110140194

Listen: sounds near 106 dB

Antonín Dvořák - Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in B minor, op. 104 - 3. Finale…
12:27Public domainby Pierre Fournier , George Szell , Berliner…Wikimedia Commons
12:27
Newborn baby crying sounds 20190831 061900
0:54CC BY-SA 4.0by Manoj KaringamadathilWikimedia Commons
0:54
3.991 PaSound pressure
0.03981 W/m²Intensity
×24.25Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
3.8 minutesNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 106 dB?

106 decibels is extremely loud. 106 dB sounds about 24.3 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 3.98e+04 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: circular saw, symphony orchestra (peak), baby crying.

Decibels are logarithmic: every +10 dB means ten times more sound intensity but is heard as only about twice as loud, and every +6 dB doubles the sound pressure. That is why a few decibels can make a big difference.

Is 106 dB dangerous?

Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 3.8 minutes per day at 106 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 52 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.

Sounds around 106 dB

105 dBCircular saw
At the operator's position.105 dBSymphony orchestra (peak)
Musicians inside the orchestra are exposed more than the audience.110 dBBaby crying
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.110 dBBagpipes
Highland pipes at the player's ear.110 dBCar alarm
Measured close to the vehicle.110 dBCar horn
At about 1 m in front of the car.110 dBChainsaw
NIOSH lists a chainsaw at about 110 dB.110 dBDrum kit
At the drummer's position; cymbal crashes peak higher.

Safe listening time

LevelNIOSH recommended limitOSHA legal limit (US)
100 dBA15 minutes2.0 hours
103 dBA7.5 minutes1.3 hours
106 dBA3.8 minutes52 minutes
109 dBA1.9 minutes34 minutes
112 dBA56 seconds23 minutes

NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.

Frequently asked questions

Is 106 dB loud?

106 dB is extremely loud. For comparison: circular saw, symphony orchestra (peak), baby crying.

How many times louder is 106 dB than 96 dB?

A 10 dB increase means ten times the sound intensity and is heard as roughly twice as loud.

How long can you listen to 106 dB?

NIOSH recommends a maximum of 3.8 minutes per day at 106 dBA.