Listen: sounds near 123 dB
How loud is 123 dB?
123 decibels is painful. 123 dB sounds about 78.8 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 2e+06 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: lion roar, screaming piha, emergency siren.
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 123 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 4 seconds per day at 123 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 4.9 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 123 dB
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 117 dBA | 18 seconds | 11 minutes |
| 120 dBA | 9 seconds | 7.5 minutes |
| 123 dBA | 4 seconds | 4.9 minutes |
| 126 dBA | 2 seconds | 3.3 minutes |
| 129 dBA | 1 seconds | 2.2 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 123 dB loud?
123 dB is painful. For comparison: lion roar, screaming piha, emergency siren.
How many times louder is 123 dB than 113 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 123 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 4 seconds per day at 123 dBA.