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Decibels are essential for setting guidelines and safety standards for sound exposure limitations. This is calculated relative to the threshold of human hearing, which is 0 decibels. dB: What is a decibel? UNSW School of Physics. What are decibels and why do they matter?Ī decibel is a measurement that expresses the relative intensity of a sound pressure level (SPL). Our Reviews Team assembled this guide to help you better understand decibels, the measurement of sound, and how sound impacts your hearing health. Regardless of your age or your degree of hearing loss, it’s important to limit excessive noise exposure and use protective equipment when you’re around loud sounds for extended periods of time. A Life Course Approach to Hearing Health. Preserving your hearing health is important for basic communication, balance, health, and even brain acuity. Whether the cause is genetic, age-related, or environmental, approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Exposure to sounds at 120 decibels may cause discomfort, and 140 decibels is considered the threshold of pain.Sixty decibels is equal to the sound of normal conversation, 90 decibels is closer to a lawn mower or hair dryer, and 120 decibels is more like a siren on an emergency vehicle.Prolonged exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels can damage your hearing.Sounds below 70 decibels are safe, while sounds above 70 decibels are harmful.Sound levels are most commonly measured in decibels (dB), which range from barely audible to loud enough to cause physical pain.Reviewed by: Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, Senior Director, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging Key Takeaways