How Loud Is Too Loud?

When a firecracker explodes near you or a ground-shaking motorcycle roars by, there’s no mistaking that the noise is excessive.

But what about those day-to-day sounds that we’re all exposed to? It can be tricky to identify when those noise levels become so loud that they can threaten your health.   

With increasing evidence suggesting that excessive noise levels harm more than our hearing—and can increase risk for cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, breast cancer and mental health problems (such as depression and anxiety)—there’s more reason than ever before to stay informed about the noise levels associated with everyday activities.

While no standard sound level has been identified as an overall health risk, chronic exposure to noises that exceed 60 decibels (dBA) have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease—in part, researchers believe, because it can trigger the body’s sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight response.”

Here’s a list of everyday sounds and the corresponding decibels (dBA)…

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov and Center for Hearing and Communication, CHCHearing.org.