Listen: sounds near 126 dB
How loud is 126 dB?
126 decibels is painful. 126 dB sounds about 97.0 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 3.98e+06 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: lion roar, screaming piha, emergency siren.
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 126 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 2 seconds per day at 126 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 3.3 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 126 dB
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 120 dBA | 9 seconds | 7.5 minutes |
| 123 dBA | 4 seconds | 4.9 minutes |
| 126 dBA | 2 seconds | 3.3 minutes |
| 129 dBA | 1 seconds | 2.2 minutes |
| 132 dBA | less than a second | 1.4 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 126 dB loud?
126 dB is painful. For comparison: lion roar, screaming piha, emergency siren.
How many times louder is 126 dB than 116 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 126 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 2 seconds per day at 126 dBA.