How loud is it, and for how long is it safe?

Typical levels for everyday sounds, with the daily listening time the US occupational safety agency NIOSH recommends at each level.

Levels are typical A-weighted values measured at normal listening distance; your exposure depends on distance and duration. Safe times use NIOSH's 85 dBA over 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate: every 3 dB louder halves the safe time.

How to read this chart

Decibels are logarithmic. A sound 10 dB louder carries ten times the energy and is heard as roughly twice as loud. That is why the safe time drops so fast near the top of the chart.

The workplace rule in the US is enforced by OSHA at 90 dBA with a 5 dB exchange rate. NIOSH's recommendation is stricter, and it is the one most hearing specialists use for everyday advice. The safe listening calculator compares both.