How loud is 137 dB?
137 decibels is painful. 137 dB sounds about 207.9 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 5.01e+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 137 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than less than a second per day at 137 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 43 seconds). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 137 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 131 dBA | less than a second | 1.6 minutes |
| 134 dBA | less than a second | 1.1 minutes |
| 137 dBA | less than a second | 43 seconds |
| 140 dBA | less than a second | 28 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 137 dB loud?
137 dB is painful. For comparison: white bellbird, threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle.
How many times louder is 137 dB than 127 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 137 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of less than a second per day at 137 dBA.