How loud is an airplane cabin?
An airplane cabin is about 80 dB, with a typical range of 75–85 dB. Cruising flight; seats near the engines are louder.
That is about 4 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 100 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 80 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 25.4 hours; at the top of the range (85 dB) it is 8.0 hours. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as an airplane cabin
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 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.85 dBHeavy city traffic
Standing at the curb of a busy street.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 74 dBA | 102 hours | 73.5 hours |
| 77 dBA | 50.8 hours | 48.5 hours |
| 80 dBA | 25.4 hours | 32.0 hours |
| 83 dBA | 12.7 hours | 21.1 hours |
| 86 dBA | 6.3 hours | 13.9 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.
More recordings elsewhere
- Airplane cabin attention tone.mp3 by FreqMan – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Airplane Cabin 01 090320.wav by LG – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- amb, airplane cabin, passenger chatter, seatbelt announcement… by drewhalasz – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- amb, airplane cabin, announcement, 5.0 (LCRLsRs).wav by drewhalasz – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Airplane - Cabin Noise by KenzieVaness – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is an airplane cabin?
About 80 dB, with a typical range of 75–85 dB.
Is an airplane cabin louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while an airplane cabin is about 80 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.