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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
Employers should choose options that decrease workplace noise levels to below 85 dB
Ear, Train Tracks, Carpenter Ear, Train Tracks, Carpenter Ear, Train Tracks, Carpenter
HLP Home > About HLP > Noise Meter

Learn More About Hearing Loss Prevention

Noise Meter

Play around with the Noise Meter and hear the different sounds and sound intensities of everyday objects. The red bar below shows how long it takes before a particular sound level becomes dangerous to the human ear. For example, a chain saw has a sound intensity of about 110 dB. Without proper hearing protection, running a chain saw for only 2 minutes can become dangerous to the human ear!

For more information on standards for noise exposure, see:

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126
Provides a basis for a recommended standard to reduce the risk of developing permanent hearing loss as a result of occupational noise exposure.

sound meter ranging from 85 to 112 db

Download Noise Meter (.exe file)
Download and play the Noise Meter file on any computer, even if Flash is not installed.

If you do not have Flash, view the HTML version

Page last updated: June 30, 2009
Page last reviewed: June 30, 2009
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Worker wearing hearing protection

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