Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 114 dB
How loud is 114 decibels?
114 decibels is about as loud as a pneumatic rock drill, an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 35 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
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| Sound level | 114 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 35 seconds a day |
What does 114 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 114 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Pneumatic rock drill 115 dB
- Emergency siren 110–129 dB
How loud is 114 decibels (114 dB)?
114 decibels is about as loud as a pneumatic rock drill, an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 35 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 114 decibels loud?
Yes, 114 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a pneumatic rock drill, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 114 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 114 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 35 seconds a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 114 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 114 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.