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Very loud · Sound level

How loud is 94 dB?

94 dB is very loud – sounds about 10.6 times as loud as normal conversation.

94 dB
0306085110140194

Listen: sounds near 94 dB

Self Driving Ice Cream Truck (Antti Luode)
4:28CC BY 3.0by Antti LuodeWikimedia Commons
4:28
Dog barking
0:41CC BY-SA 4.0by User:Dr. Nono YesMaybeWikimedia Commons
0:41
1.002 PaSound pressure
0.002512 W/m²Intensity
×10.56Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
1.0 hoursNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 94 dB?

94 decibels is very loud. 94 dB sounds about 10.6 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 2.51e+03 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: diesel truck, dog barking, jet hand dryer.

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 94 dB dangerous?

Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 1.0 hours per day at 94 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 4.6 hours). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.

Sounds around 94 dB

90 dBDiesel truck
At about 15 m.90 dBDog barking
Large breeds barking at close range can exceed 100 dB.90 dBJet hand dryer
A 2019 study measured up to 110 dB at a child's ear height.90 dBLarge waterfall
Standing near the plunge pool of a big fall.95 dBCoquí frog
Puerto Rican coquís call at 90–100 dB at 0.5 m.95 dBMotorcycle
CDC lists motorcycles and dirt bikes at 80–110 dB.95 dBPower drill
At the operator's position.95 dBSubway train
On the platform as a train arrives.

Safe listening time

LevelNIOSH recommended limitOSHA legal limit (US)
88 dBA4.0 hours10.6 hours
91 dBA2.0 hours7.0 hours
94 dBA1.0 hours4.6 hours
97 dBA30 minutes3.0 hours
100 dBA15 minutes2.0 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 94 dB loud?

94 dB is very loud. For comparison: diesel truck, dog barking, jet hand dryer.

How many times louder is 94 dB than 84 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 94 dB?

NIOSH recommends a maximum of 1.0 hours per day at 94 dBA.