Listen: sounds near 129 dB
How loud is 129 dB?
129 decibels is painful. 129 dB sounds about 119.4 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 7.94e+06 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: emergency siren, thunder (close), vuvuzela.
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 129 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 1 seconds per day at 129 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 2.2 minutes). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 129 dB
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.140 dB.22 caliber rifle
Peak level at the shooter's ear.140 dBJet engine at takeoff
At about 30 m (100 ft).
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 123 dBA | 4 seconds | 4.9 minutes |
| 126 dBA | 2 seconds | 3.3 minutes |
| 129 dBA | 1 seconds | 2.2 minutes |
| 132 dBA | less than a second | 1.4 minutes |
| 135 dBA | less than a second | 56 seconds |
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 129 dB loud?
129 dB is painful. For comparison: emergency siren, thunder (close), vuvuzela.
How many times louder is 129 dB than 119 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 129 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 1 seconds per day at 129 dBA.