Listen: sounds near 81 dB
How loud is 81 dB?
81 decibels is loud. 81 dB sounds about 4.3 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 126 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: airplane cabin, alarm clock, garbage disposal.
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 81 dB safe?
For most people, short exposure to 81 dB is not harmful. The US EPA identified 70 dBA averaged over 24 hours as a level that protects against hearing loss over a lifetime, so long, all-day exposure is worth reducing.
Sounds around 81 dB
Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.80 dBAlarm clock
Measured at the pillow.80 dBGarbage disposal
Kitchen sink food waste disposer.85 dBGas lawn mower
CDC lists gas mowers and leaf blowers at 80–85 dB; operator-ear levels can be higher.85 dBHair dryer
Very close to the ear while in use.85 dBHeavy city traffic
Standing at the curb of a busy street.85 dBMovie theater
CDC gives 74–104 dB depending on the film and seat.85 dBSmoke alarm
Alarms must reach at least 85 dB at 3 m (10 ft).
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 75 dBA | 80.6 hours | 64.0 hours |
| 78 dBA | 40.3 hours | 42.2 hours |
| 81 dBA | 20.2 hours | 27.9 hours |
| 84 dBA | 10.1 hours | 18.4 hours |
| 87 dBA | 5.0 hours | 12.1 hours |
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 81 dB loud?
81 dB is loud. For comparison: airplane cabin, alarm clock, garbage disposal.
How many times louder is 81 dB than 71 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 81 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 20.2 hours per day at 81 dBA.