Listen: sounds near 97 dB
How loud is 97 dB?
97 decibels is very loud. 97 dB sounds about 13.0 times as loud as normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 5.01e+03 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: coquí frog, motorcycle, power drill.
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 97 dB dangerous?
Yes, with enough exposure. NIOSH recommends no more than 30 minutes per day at 97 dBA (US law, via OSHA, allows 3.0 hours). Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent, so use earplugs or earmuffs, increase distance or reduce exposure time.
Sounds around 97 dB
Puerto Rican coquís call at 90–100 dB at 0.5 m.95 dBMotorcycle
CDC lists motorcycles and dirt bikes at 80–110 dB.95 dBPower drill
At the operator's position.95 dBSubway train
On the platform as a train arrives.99 dBWater boatman (Micronecta scholtzi)
A 2 mm insect that 'sings' by rubbing its penis on its abdomen – loudest relative to body size.100 dBCicada chorus
Some species exceed 100 dB at 50 cm.100 dBConstruction site
Mixed heavy machinery nearby.100 dBGarbage truck
Compactor running, at curbside.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 91 dBA | 2.0 hours | 7.0 hours |
| 94 dBA | 1.0 hours | 4.6 hours |
| 97 dBA | 30 minutes | 3.0 hours |
| 100 dBA | 15 minutes | 2.0 hours |
| 103 dBA | 7.5 minutes | 1.3 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 97 dB loud?
97 dB is very loud. For comparison: coquí frog, motorcycle, power drill.
How many times louder is 97 dB than 87 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 97 dB?
NIOSH recommends a maximum of 30 minutes per day at 97 dBA.