Interpreting the Sound Ratings of a Unit
Common Sounds
Decibel (dB) Comparisons
This decibel (dBA) table compares some common sounds and shows how they rank in potential harm to hearing. In many industries, workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels. This is particularly true in the construction, lumber, mining, steel and textile industries. Use this chart to estimate the decibel level of your AC unit.
| SOUND | NOISE LEVEL (dBA) | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| SOUNDJet Engines (Near) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)140 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDShotgun Firing | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)130 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDJet Takeoff (100-200 Ft.) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)130 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDRock Concert (Varies) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)110-140 | EFFECTThreshold of pain (125 dB) |
| SOUNDOxygen Torch | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)121 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDDisco/Boom Box | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)120 | EFFECTThreshold of sensation (120 dB) |
| SOUNDThunderclap (Near) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)120 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDStereo (Over 100 Watts) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)110-125 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDSymphony Orchestra | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)110 | EFFECTRegular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss (over 100 dB) |
| SOUNDPower Saw (Chain Saw) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)110 | EFFECTRegular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss (over 100 dB) |
| SOUNDJackhammer | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)110 | EFFECTRegular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss (over 100 dB) |
| SOUNDSnowmobile | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)105 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDJet Fly-over (1000 Ft.) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)103 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDElectric Furnace Area | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)100 | EFFECTNo more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended (90-100 dB) |
| SOUNDGarbage Truck/Cement Mixer | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)100 | EFFECTNo more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended (90-100 dB) |
| SOUNDFarm Tractor | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)98 | EFFECTNo more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended (90-100 dB) |
| SOUNDNewspaper Press | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)97 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDSubway, Motorcycle (25 Ft.) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)88 | EFFECTVery annoying |
| SOUNDLawnmower, Food Blender | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)85-90 | EFFECTLevel at which hearing damage begins after 8 hours (85 dB) |
| SOUNDRecreational Vehicles, TV | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)70-90 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDDiesel Truck (40 Mph, 50 Ft.) | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)84 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDAverage City Traffic Noise | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)80 | EFFECTAnnoying; interferes with conversation; constant exposure may cause damage |
| SOUNDGarbage Disposal | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)80 | EFFECTAnnoying; interferes with conversation; constant exposure may cause damage |
| SOUNDWashing Machine | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)78 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDDishwasher | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)75 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDVacuum Cleaner | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)70 | EFFECTIntrusive; interferes with telephone conversation |
| SOUNDHair Dryer | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)70 | EFFECTIntrusive; interferes with telephone conversation |
| SOUNDNormal Conversation | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)50-65 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDQuiet Office | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)50-60 | EFFECTComfortable (under 60 dB) |
| SOUNDRefrigerator Humming | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)40 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDWhisper | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)30 | EFFECTVery quiet |
| SOUNDBroadcasting Studio | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)30 | EFFECT |
| SOUNDRustling Leaves | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)20 | EFFECTJust audible |
| SOUNDNormal Breathing | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)10 | EFFECT |
| SOUND | NOISE LEVEL (dBA)0 | EFFECTThreshold of normal hearing (1000-4000 Hz) |
Since the sensitivity of the ear to sound is not the same for all frequencies, weighting or attenuating filters are included in the sound level meter’s circuits to simulate the ears’ response. A noise level meter gives an instantaneous measurement of the noise present, but cannot measure the duration of the exposure. To measure the amount of noise a person is exposed to over a period of time, a “dosimeter~ or an integrated sound level meter must be used. Sources for above include the American Medical Association and the Canadian Hearing Society of Ontario. Decibel table developed by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. January 1990.