How loud is 142 dB?
142 decibels is dangerous. 142 dB sounds about 294.1 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 1.58e+08 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle, jet engine at takeoff.
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 142 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than less than a second per day at 142 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 21 seconds). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Impulse noise and the limits of sound
At 140 dB and above even a single exposure – a gunshot, an explosion, fireworks at close range – can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage. NIOSH sets 140 dB as the ceiling for unprotected impulse noise.
194 dB is the theoretical maximum for an undistorted sound wave in air at sea level: the pressure swings between zero (a vacuum) and twice atmospheric pressure. Beyond that, sound becomes a shock wave.
Sounds around 142 dB
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.150 dBFireworks
CDC: fireworks show at 140–160 dB close by.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 142 dB loud?
142 dB is dangerous. For comparison: threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle, jet engine at takeoff.
How many times louder is 142 dB than 132 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 142 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of less than a second per day at 142 dBA.