Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 115 dB
How loud is 115 decibels?
115 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 28 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 115 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 28 seconds a day |
What does 115 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 115 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 115 decibels (115 dB)?
115 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 28 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 115 decibels loud?
Yes, 115 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 115 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 115 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 28 seconds a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 115 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 115 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.