Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 70 dB
How loud is 70 decibels?
70 decibels is about as loud as a washing machine, a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner. It stays below the 85 dB line where hearing damage begins — fine for a normal day. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 70 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Low to moderate |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | No limit — safe at any duration |
What does 70 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 70 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Washing machine 70 dB
- Dishwasher 70 dB
- Vacuum cleaner 70–75 dB
How loud is 70 decibels (70 dB)?
70 decibels is about as loud as a washing machine, a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner. It stays below the 85 dB line where hearing damage begins — fine for a normal day. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 70 decibels loud?
70 decibels is fairly loud, about the loudness of a washing machine, loud enough to make conversation difficult, but it stays just below the 85 dB line where hearing damage begins.
Is 70 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
70 dB is below the 85 dB hearing-risk threshold, so there is no daily exposure limit for hearing.
Measure 70 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 70 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.