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