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How Loud Is 130 Decibels (dB)? (With Noise Comparison Chart)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Be aware that a noise level of 130 decibels is considered dangerously loud and almost any exposure to this level of noise can cause pain and may potentially damage a person’s hearing. It is louder than a rock concert and roughly as loud as a personal alarm.
Firearms typically produce noise of 140 dB or louder. Anybody that is exposed to noise levels of 130 dB should wear hearing protection to avoid pain and hearing loss.
How Does the Decibel Scale Work?
Decibels are a measure of the loudness of sound. Zero decibels (dB) is not total silence but is the quietest sound that the human ear can hear, and the decibel scale increases logarithmically. For every increase of 10 dB, the sound is twice as loud. For example, 80 dB is two times louder than 70 dB, which means that 90 dB is four times louder than 70 dB. On the other hand, 130 dB is 64 times louder than 70 dB.
Image Credit: Pixabay
How Can We Measure Decibels?
Decibel meters are commonly used to measure sound intensity. Accuracy varies according to the reliability and precision of the meter as well as how well it is calibrated and used.
As well as professional decibel meters, which give the most accurate and reliable readings, there are apps for cell phones and software for computers that can measure decibels, although these are not usually as accurate as professional decibel meters.
Examples of 130dB
Decibels measure the intensity of sound and are influenced by factors including distance from the noise source. When measured from 50 feet away, a jet aircraft taking off from an aircraft carrier measures approximately 130 dB. A jackhammer can also measure 130 dB when holding the machine and working with it.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Is 130 dB Dangerous?
This noise level is considered the threshold of pain for our ears. As such, a 130 dB noise intensity causes pain to our ears. It is also harmful to our hearing, and it takes less than a second of exposure to this noise level can cause permanent hearing damage.
People exposed to this level of noise should wear ear protectors to guard against the noise and prevent damage.
Comparison Chart
There are a lot of factors to consider when comparing the levels of noises. Conversations at home and in a quiet room tend to be much quieter than conversations in a restaurant or bar. Standing next to a motorcycle means that the decibel level will be much higher than when standing 25 feet away. Even the make and model of a vacuum cleaner or the settings used will determine the exact noise output.
But, below, we have compared the typical decibel readings for certain noises.
Source
Noise Level (dB)
Breathing
10
Bird Noise
44
Conversation
50
Vacuum Cleaner
70
Garbage Disposal
80
Power Mower
96
Motorcycle
100
Live Concert
120
Thunder
120
Jet Take-Off From Aircraft Carrier (at 50 ft)
130
Shotgun Blast
160
Rocket Launch
180
Conclusion
Always remember that 130 decibels is considered a painful and potentially damaging noise level that can adversely affect human hearing within less than a second of exposure. It is roughly equivalent to the noise of a jet taking off from an aircraft carrier, louder than the sound of a thunderclap, but not as loud as a shotgun blast.
Sound intensity can be measured using a decibel meter, and those that are likely to be exposed to these high levels of noise should wear ear protection.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.