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Extremely loud · Sound level

How loud is 108 dB?

108 dB is extremely loud – sounds about 27.9 times as loud as normal conversation.

108 dB
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Listen: sounds near 108 dB

Newborn baby crying sounds 20190831 061900
0:54CC BY-SA 4.0by Manoj KaringamadathilWikimedia Commons
0:54
Mari Bagpipe - Erik Juzykain
1:22CC BY-SA 3.0by Cseremisz ElianWikimedia Commons
1:22
5.024 PaSound pressure
0.0631 W/m²Intensity
×27.86Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
2.4 minutesNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 108 dB?

108 decibels is extremely loud. 108 dB sounds about 27.9 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 6.31e+04 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: baby crying, bagpipes, car alarm.

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 108 dB dangerous?

Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 2.4 minutes per day at 108 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 40 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.

Sounds around 108 dB

110 dBBaby crying
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.110 dBBagpipes
Highland pipes at the player's ear.110 dBCar alarm
Measured close to the vehicle.110 dBCar horn
At about 1 m in front of the car.110 dBChainsaw
NIOSH lists a chainsaw at about 110 dB.110 dBDrum kit
At the drummer's position; cymbal crashes peak higher.110 dBJackhammer
At the operator's position.110 dBMRI scanner
Patients are given hearing protection for this reason.

Safe listening time

LevelNIOSH recommended limitOSHA legal limit (US)
102 dBA9.4 minutes1.5 hours
105 dBA4.7 minutes1.0 hours
108 dBA2.4 minutes40 minutes
111 dBA1.2 minutes26 minutes
114 dBA35 seconds17 minutes

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 108 dB loud?

108 dB is extremely loud. For comparison: baby crying, bagpipes, car alarm.

How many times louder is 108 dB than 98 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 108 dB?

NIOSH recommends a maximum of 2.4 minutes per day at 108 dBA.