Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 126 dB
How loud is 126 decibels?
126 decibels is about as loud as an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 2 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 | 126 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 2 seconds a day |
What does 126 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 126 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Emergency siren 110–129 dB
How loud is 126 decibels (126 dB)?
126 decibels is about as loud as an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 2 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 126 decibels loud?
Yes, 126 decibels is loud, about the loudness of an emergency siren, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 126 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 126 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 2 seconds a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 126 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 126 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.