Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 145 dB
How loud is 145 decibels?
145 decibels is about as loud as firecrackers, a jet engine at takeoff, a firearm at the shooter's ear. That is far above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: there is no safe exposure time at all, and even a brief moment can harm hearing. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 145 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | Unsafe at any duration |
What does 145 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 145 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Firecrackers 140–150 dB
- Jet engine at takeoff 140–150 dB
- Firearm at the shooter's ear 140–165 dB
How loud is 145 decibels (145 dB)?
145 decibels is about as loud as firecrackers, a jet engine at takeoff, a firearm at the shooter's ear. That is far above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: there is no safe exposure time at all, and even a brief moment can harm hearing. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 145 decibels loud?
Yes, 145 decibels is loud, about the loudness of firecrackers, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 145 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 145 dB there is no safe daily exposure at all — it can harm hearing almost instantly, so hearing protection is essential.
Measure 145 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 145 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.