How loud is 138 dB?
138 decibels is painful. 138 dB sounds about 222.9 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 6.31e+07 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle, jet engine at takeoff.
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 138 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than less than a second per day at 138 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 37 seconds). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 138 dB
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).142 dBLoudest stadium crowd
142.2 dB at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, 2014.145 dBFirecracker
Peak level at about 1 m.150 dBFireworks
CDC: fireworks show at 140–160 dB close by.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 132 dBA | less than a second | 1.4 minutes |
| 135 dBA | less than a second | 56 seconds |
| 138 dBA | less than a second | 37 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 138 dB loud?
138 dB is painful. For comparison: threshold of pain, .22 caliber rifle, jet engine at takeoff.
How many times louder is 138 dB than 128 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 138 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of less than a second per day at 138 dBA.