HowLoudHow Loud Is 85 Decibels?
85 dB is the level at which hearing damage begins. It is as loud as heavy city traffic from the kerb, a petrol lawn mower, a kitchen blender, or a busy factory floor. Eight hours a day at this level, week after week, causes permanent hearing loss.
What sounds are 85 decibels?
- Heavy city traffic from the kerb
- A petrol lawn mower at the handle
- A kitchen blender or a food processor up close
- A busy factory floor or a workshop
- A noisy school cafeteria or a crowded bar
85 dB(A) is the most important number on the decibel scale. NIOSH sets the recommended exposure limit at 85 dB averaged over 8 hours, with a 3 dB exchange rate: 88 dB is safe for 4 hours, 91 dB for 2 hours, and so on. OSHA's legal limit is 90 dB, but hearing conservation programs kick in at 85.
Is 85 dB loud?
Yes, and this is where 'loud' becomes 'harmful'. At 85 dB you have to shout to be understood at arm's length. A single afternoon at 85 dB will not hurt you, but a working life at it will. HowLoud switches to the red 'risk of damage' zone at exactly 85 dB.
| Zone | Dangerous (85 dB and above) |
|---|---|
| Safe daily exposure | 8 hours |
| Compared with 60 dB (normal talk) | 25 dB louder — sounds roughly 6× as loud, 316× the sound energy |
| Compared with 85 dB (damage threshold) | same level |
Measure it yourself
Open the free online decibel meter on your phone or laptop and hold it where you want to measure. Readings from a built-in microphone are estimates within a few dB; for a legal noise complaint use a calibrated sound level meter.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you be exposed to 85 dB?
Up to 8 hours a day under NIOSH guidance. Each 3 dB increase halves that time: 88 dB for 4 hours, 91 dB for 2 hours, 94 dB for 1 hour.
Is 85 dB loud for headphones?
Yes. 85 dB is the level at which many phones display a hearing warning. At 85 dB, listening for more than 8 hours a week adds up to real risk over the years.
What is a rule of thumb for 85 dB?
If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone one metre away, you are at or above 85 dB and should think about hearing protection.