Decibel levels (2024)

Source of soundSound pressure level (dB)Shockwave (distorted sound waves > 1 atm; waveform valleys are clipped at zero pressure)>194 dBTheoretical limit for undistorted sound at 1 atmosphere environmental pressure~194.094 dBStun grenades170 - 180 dBRocket launch equipment acoustic tests~165 dBSimple open-ended thermoacoustic device[6]176 dB.30-06 rifle being fired 1 m to shooter's side171 dB (peak)M1 Garand rifle being fired at 1 m168 dBJet engine at 30 m150 dBThreshold of pain130 dBVuvuzela horn at 1 m120 dBHearing damage (possible)approx. 120 dBJet engine at 100 m110 - 140 dBJack hammer at 1 mapprox. 100 dBTraffic on a busy roadway at 10 m80 - 90 dBHearing damage (over long-term exposure, need not be continuous)85 dB[8]Passenger car at 10 m60 - 80 dBEPA-identified maximum to protect against hearing loss and other disruptive effects from noise, such as sleep disturbance, stress, learning detriment, etc.70 dBHandheld electric mixer65 dBTV (set at home level) at 1 mapprox. 60 dBWashing machine, dish washer50-53 dBNormal conversation at 1 m40 - 60 dBVery calm room20 - 30 dBLight leaf rustling, calm breathing10 dBAuditory threshold at 1 kHz0 dB