Listen: sounds near 121 dB
How loud is 121 dB?
121 decibels is painful. 121 dB sounds about 68.6 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 1.26e+06 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: baby crying, lion roar, screaming piha.
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 121 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 7 seconds per day at 121 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 6.5 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 121 dB
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.114 dBLion roar
Commonly cited maximum, at about 1 m. Roars carry up to 8 km.116 dBScreaming piha
One of the loudest birds measured, at 1 m.120 dBEmergency siren
CDC lists sirens at 110–129 dB.120 dBThunder (close)
A strike within a few hundred metres.120 dBVuvuzela
At 1 m from the horn.125 dBWhite bellbird
The loudest bird song ever measured: 125.4 dB at 1 m.130 dBThreshold of pain
Sound starts to hurt; damage can be instant.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 115 dBA | 28 seconds | 15 minutes |
| 118 dBA | 14 seconds | 9.9 minutes |
| 121 dBA | 7 seconds | 6.5 minutes |
| 124 dBA | 4 seconds | 4.3 minutes |
| 127 dBA | 2 seconds | 2.8 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 121 dB loud?
121 dB is painful. For comparison: baby crying, lion roar, screaming piha.
How many times louder is 121 dB than 111 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 121 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 7 seconds per day at 121 dBA.