Listen: sounds near 78 dB
How loud is 78 dB?
78 decibels is loud. 78 dB sounds about 3.5 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 63.1 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: busy restaurant, toilet flush, vacuum cleaner.
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 78 dB safe?
For most people, short exposure to 78 dB is not harmful. The US EPA identified 70 dBA averaged over 24 hours as a level that protects against hearing loss over a lifetime, so long, all-day exposure is worth reducing.
Sounds around 78 dB
Hard surfaces and many voices push levels up.75 dBToilet flush
Pressure-assisted toilets are the loudest.75 dBVacuum cleaner
At the operator's position.80 dBAirplane cabin
Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.80 dBAlarm clock
Measured at the pillow.80 dBGarbage disposal
Kitchen sink food waste disposer.85 dBGas lawn mower
CDC lists gas mowers and leaf blowers at 80–85 dB; operator-ear levels can be higher.85 dBHair dryer
Very close to the ear while in use.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 72 dBA | 161 hours | 97.0 hours |
| 75 dBA | 80.6 hours | 64.0 hours |
| 78 dBA | 40.3 hours | 42.2 hours |
| 81 dBA | 20.2 hours | 27.9 hours |
| 84 dBA | 10.1 hours | 18.4 hours |
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 78 dB loud?
78 dB is loud. For comparison: busy restaurant, toilet flush, vacuum cleaner.
How many times louder is 78 dB than 68 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 78 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 40.3 hours per day at 78 dBA.