Sound Level
The sound level refers to the measure of the intensity of noise, typically converted into decibels (dB). This scale classifies sounds from 0 to 140 dB, and occasionally beyond in extreme cases.
Here’s the perception scale of sound levels:
- 0 to 20 dB: Quiet - Silence, light noises...
- 20 to 40 dB: Pleasant - Background noise, whispers...
- 40 to 60 dB: Tolerable - Normal conversation, fan, washing machine...
- 60 to 80 dB: Fatiguing - Phone ring, vacuum cleaner...
- 80 to 100 dB: Unpleasant - Drill, car traffic...
- 100 to 120 dB: Risk of hearing loss - Fire truck siren, jet engine...
- 120 to 180 dB: Painful - Vuvuzela, Formula 1...
- 180 dB: Rocket launch
- Beyond: The sound turns into a shockwave
Measuring the sound level helps us understand the impact of noise on our environment and choose quieter devices for a more pleasant atmosphere.