Listen: sounds near 122 dB
How loud is 122 dB?
122 decibels is painful. 122 dB sounds about 73.5 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 1.58e+06 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: baby crying, lion roar, screaming piha.
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 122 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 6 seconds per day at 122 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 5.7 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 122 dB
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.114 dBLion roar
Commonly cited maximum, at about 1 m. Roars carry up to 8 km.116 dBScreaming piha
One of the loudest birds measured, at 1 m.120 dBEmergency siren
CDC lists sirens at 110–129 dB.120 dBThunder (close)
A strike within a few hundred metres.120 dBVuvuzela
At 1 m from the horn.125 dBWhite bellbird
The loudest bird song ever measured: 125.4 dB at 1 m.130 dBThreshold of pain
Sound starts to hurt; damage can be instant.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 116 dBA | 22 seconds | 13 minutes |
| 119 dBA | 11 seconds | 8.6 minutes |
| 122 dBA | 6 seconds | 5.7 minutes |
| 125 dBA | 3 seconds | 3.8 minutes |
| 128 dBA | 1 seconds | 2.5 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 122 dB loud?
122 dB is painful. For comparison: baby crying, lion roar, screaming piha.
How many times louder is 122 dB than 112 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 122 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 6 seconds per day at 122 dBA.