Compare two meters to get an idea of the error but around 80 dB is going to be OK. I wouldn’t trust it at 90+ dB without calibration, I agree.
OSHA has done studies that show conclusively, with the data, that 90 is OK for 8 hours MAX. But few will tolerate that level. City noise is 85 dB nominal all day. We have areas of the plant that were in the 80’s. The din was obnoxious, as it was continuous noise, not like uncompressed music.
But to disagree you need the data. I don’t have the data that refutes OSHA and agrees with your disagreement. If we go on feelings why are we having a discussion when feelings have no answers, ever? The intuition to add a safety margin is fine, but that doesn’t make the data OSHA has developed wrong.
Ha!
But with all this, your ears will tell you when it isn’t loud enough or when it’s too loud or when it’s like Goldilocks’ porridge.
I only use the dB meter to volume match when comparing thing A to thing B.
I find the poll slightly flawed, since it includes neither 50dB nor 70dB options, the typical levels on my systems, 70dB also seems to be the most frequently reported level in this thread.
I agree, and sorry there are not more choices. I was following the Wall Street Journal chart, but I should have supplemented it. I could edit the poll now, but doing so would wipe out the eight votes to date. Of course, the poll is for “recreational purposes only.”
How about the average dB in a car or truck with a modern multi-amp and multi-battery sound system?
I hear them and would guess well into the 100 perhaps 110+ range. Bass that carries for blocks. I do appreciate when they’ve got it mounted so the entire vehicle isn’t shaking apart.
They will regret the hearing damage in future years.
Here is what is needed; quick reference (same basic data presented previously but in one place.) I use 80-85 dB nominal.
Best,
Galen
NIOSH – Criteria For a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure NIOSH establishes Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) for noise based on the best available science and practice. The NIOSH REL for noise is 85 decibels, using the A-weighting frequency response (often written as dBA) over an 8-hour average, usually referred to as Time-Weighted Average (TWA). Exposures at or above this level are considered hazardous.
OSHA – Occupational noise exposure 1910.95external icon OSHA sets legal limits on noise exposure in the workplace. These limits are based on a worker’s time weighted average over an 8 hour day. With noise, OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dBA for all workers for an 8 hour day.
Occupational standards specify a maximum allowable daily noise dose, expressed in percentages. For example, a person exposed to 85 dBA per NIOSH or 90 dBA per OSHA over an 8-hour work shift, will reach 100% of their daily noise dose. The noise dose is based on both the sound exposure level and how long it lasts (duration) so for each increase or 3-dB (NIOSH) or 5-dB (OSHA) in noise levels, the duration of the exposure should be cut in half (this is what’s referred to as exchange rates in standards). The following table illustrates the relationship between sound exposure levels and durations for both NIOSH and OSHA.
