Exposure to noises above 85 decibels has the potential to damage your hearing. Which
everyday sounds are safe, and which require ear protection? What’s louder—a
jackhammer or a jet airplane? How loud is too loud? Explore our Guide to Decibels
to find out!
Just to put it all in context, a jet airplane at takeoff can blast out a whopping
140 decibels of noise. There’s a good reason why you never see any traffic
controllers working the runway without serious ear protection.
This protection lowers the original
140 dB
by
24 dB,
to a safer
116 dB
Digital WorkTunes™ Hearing Protector and AM/FM Stereo Radio
Protect your ears and enjoy your favorite music at the same time. Soft foam ear
cushions and an adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit.
NRR 24 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
112 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
140 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
112 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
108 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
140 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
108 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
120 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
120*dB
* Denotes decibel level in a moderate range.
Ringing ears? That’s not a good sign.
Without hearing protection, the 120 to 125 decibels of noise created from a chain
saw can cause your ears to ring. This ringing is called tinnitus. Prolonged and
unprotected exposure to sounds over 85 decibels has the potential make tinnitus
permanent and constant.
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
24 dB,
to a safer
96 dB
Digital WorkTunes™ Hearing Protector and AM/FM Stereo Radio
Protect your ears and enjoy your favorite music at the same time. Soft foam ear
cushions and an adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit.
NRR 24 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
92 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
92 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
88 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
88 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
110 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
110 dB
1 minute, 29 seconds
That’s how long it takes for the 110 decibels from your leaf blower to start
causing potential damage to your ears. When you’re cleaning up the yard, don’t
blow off hearing protection.
This protection lowers the original
110 dB
by
24 dB,
to a safer
86 dB
Digital WorkTunes™ Hearing Protector and AM/FM Stereo Radio
Protect your ears and enjoy your favorite music at the same time. Soft foam ear
cushions and an adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit.
NRR 24 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
82 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
110 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
82 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
You may be mowing for an hour or more. Prolonged exposure to noises over 85 dB have
the potential to cause permanent hearing loss. SIHL or Self-Induced Hearing Loss
is 100% preventable when you remember to put on hearing protection before you turn
on the lawnmower.
This protection lowers the original
85 dB
by
24 dB,
to a safer
61 dB
Digital WorkTunes™ Hearing Protector and AM/FM Stereo Radio
Protect your ears and enjoy your favorite music at the same time. Soft foam ear
cushions and an adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit.
NRR 24 dB.
This protection lowers the original
85 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
57 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
The glug-glug of the washing machine ranges from 50 to 75 decibels, which
is still within the safe zone. But if this or other household noises—like
the dishwasher or clothes dryer—bother you, ear protection is a great solution.
The ring of a telephone is just 80 decibels—nothing to worry about. But regular
exposure to louder sounds can cause permanent ringing in the ears, called tinnitus,
and hearing loss. And that can make softer sounds—like the phone—hard
to hear.
It may be surprising to learn that common things—like this squeaky toy—can
create uncommonly loud sounds. Each squeak measures anywhere from 110 decibels to
a whopping 135 decibels! If you’re planning an extended play session with
Fido, don’t forget the earplugs.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
91 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
29 dB,
to a safer
91 dB
Disposable Classic Earplugs
Low-pressure foam makes these earplugs comfortable to wear over extended periods.
Classic foam cylinders slowly expand for a custom fit.
NRR 29 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
85 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
85*dB
* Denotes decibel level in a moderate range.
Does vacuum noise rub you the wrong way?
Vacuum noise starts at 60 decibels and can reach 85 decibels, which is the threshold
where permanent hearing loss can start to occur. If you’re going to vacuum
for more than a few minutes, simply pop in a pair of earplugs.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
97 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
125 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
97 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
93 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
125 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
93 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
120 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
120 dB
Sorry to pound it into you, but…
It’s important to wear hearing protection when you’re doing a noisy
DIY task, even if it’s as quick and simple as pounding in a few nails. Every
time a hammer hits a nail, your ears take a hit of 120 decibels.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
92 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
92 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
88 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
88 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
95 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
95 dB
You know the drill:
When working with noisy tools (like this electric drill operating at 95 decibels),
you need to wear hearing protection. Keep several pairs in the shop, in your tool
case, so they’re within reach when you need them.
This protection lowers the original
95 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
67 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Noise doesn’t need to be painfully loud to be harmful. Repeated, prolonged
exposure to noise over 85 decibels—like this snow blower (105 decibels)—has
the potential to cause permanent hearing loss.
This protection lowers the original
105 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
77 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Hearing is a beautiful thing. Imagine life without music, the sound of sea and the
voices of your kids (and grandkids!). Over time, loud sounds—like this 157-decibel
balloon pop—have the potential to cause damage to your ears. And this could
limit your ability to hear the sounds you love.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
129 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
157 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
129 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
125 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
157 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
125 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
120 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
120 dB
Beep beep! Make way for 120 decibels
Noisy traffic—full of blaring car horns—can top out at 120 decibels.
That’s as loud as a chain saw! So roll up the windows, take the side streets,
and steer clear of traffic noise.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
92 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
92 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
88 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
120 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
88 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
100 dB WITHOUT PROTECTION
100*dB
* Denotes decibel level in a moderate range.
Loud sounds speed hearing loss
A motorcycle can emit noise that measures between 95 to 110 decibels. At 100 decibels,
it potentially only takes 1 minute and 29 seconds to start causing damage to your
ears. Prevent SIHL (Self-Induced Hearing Loss) by wearing the floatright ear protection
before you start up the motor.
This protection lowers the original
100 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
72 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
That’s how many Americans work with hazardous levels of noise every day. Without
hearing protection, concrete isn’t the only thing a 130-decibel jackhammer
demolishes. Protect your ears. What? PROTECT YOUR EARS!
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
102 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
130 dB
by
28 dB,
to a safer
102 dB
Banded Hearing Protector
The Banded Hearing Protector features a lightweight headband you can store around
your neck reducing the likelihood of losing it. Detachable earplugs are washable
and replaceable.
NRR 28 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
98 dB WITH PROTECTION
This protection lowers the original
130 dB
by
32 dB,
to a safer
98 dB
Disposable Earplugs
Soft foam plugs are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. Foam slowly
expands for a snug fit.
NRR 32 dB.
Double up on hearing protection: wear both a disposable earplug and earmuff. Limit
the time and how close you get to loud noises in order to decrease the risk of Self
- Induced Hearing Loss (SIHL).
