How loud is 136 dB?
136 decibels is painful. 136 dB sounds about 194.0 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 3.98e+07 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: white bellbird, threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle.
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 136 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than less than a second per day at 136 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 49 seconds). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 136 dB
The loudest bird song ever measured: 125.4 dB at 1 m.130 dBThreshold of pain
Sound starts to hurt; damage can be instant.140 dB.22 caliber rifle
Peak level at the shooter's ear.140 dBJet engine at takeoff
At about 30 m (100 ft).142 dBLoudest stadium crowd
142.2 dB at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, 2014.145 dBFirecracker
Peak level at about 1 m.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 130 dBA | less than a second | 1.9 minutes |
| 133 dBA | less than a second | 1.2 minutes |
| 136 dBA | less than a second | 49 seconds |
| 139 dBA | less than a second | 32 seconds |
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 136 dB loud?
136 dB is painful. For comparison: white bellbird, threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle.
How many times louder is 136 dB than 126 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 136 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of less than a second per day at 136 dBA.