dB Scale for Human Hearing

Decibel Level (dBA) Source
0	acute threshold of hearing - weakest sound
15	threshold of hearing
30	a whisper
45	rustling leaves, soft music
60	normal conversation
75	average radio or vacuum cleaner
*82	a very noisy restaurant, ACTION LIMIT
90	lawnmower, Sawzall
100	tractor, leaf blower, power saw
120	chain saw, jack hammer, rock concert
135	jet take-off, amplified music
140	gunshot, siren at 100 feet; threshold of pain
Note: Decibel = measure of loudness, more specifically pressure.

Noise-induced
Deafness due to loud noises leads to sensorineural hearing loss, which means areas of the inner ear have been destroyed. With this type of loss, those afflicted can typically only hear very loud sounds or voices. This loss is caused by frequent exposure to sounds greater than 85 decibels (dB), and is different from conductive hearing loss, which results from damage build up of ear wax, ear disorders, or a punctured ear drum. Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by using the decibel guide below to regulate exposure to sounds that are too loud.
Safe Sounds:

• Daily conversation: 60 dB
• Daily conversation: 60 dB
• Telephone ring: 65 dB
• Alarm clock/Motor traffic/Vacuum Cleaner: 80 dB

Dangerous Noises:

• Lawnmower: 90 dB
• Chainsaw/Drills: 100 dB
• Live rock Music at a concert or club: 100 to 130 dB
• MP3 player ear buds: 100 dB and greater
• Sandblasting: 120 dB
• Gunshots: 150 to 170 dB