Listen to snoring
How loud is snoring?
Snoring is about 70 dB, with a typical range of 50–90 dB. Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.
That is about 2 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 10 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 70 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 256 hours; at the top of the range (90 dB) it is 2.5 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 snoring
Window unit or indoor split unit at a few metres.60 dBDishwasher
Quiet models are rated 40–45 dB; older ones exceed 60 dB.60 dBNormal conversation
Two people talking at about 1 m.60 dBOcean waves on the shore
Standing on the beach; storm surf is much louder.70 dBWashing machine
Louder during the spin cycle.75 dBBusy restaurant
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.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 dBA | 256 hours | 128 hours |
| 73 dBA | 128 hours | 84.4 hours |
| 76 dBA | 64.0 hours | 55.7 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
- Snoring by poorenglishjuggler – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Snoring by Erik Pritzens – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Fast Snore .wav by bsmacbride – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Snoring by VlatkoBlazek – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Snoring by swapnil_gt – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is snoring?
About 70 dB, with a typical range of 50–90 dB.
Is snoring louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while snoring is about 70 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.