Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Emergency siren
How loud is an emergency siren?
An emergency siren measures about 120 dB, roughly as loud as a thunderclap. At 120 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 9 seconds a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 120 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme risk — At or above the pain threshold — immediate injury risk |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 9 seconds a day |
| Typical setting | city |
Figures sourced to CDC / NIDCD. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How an emergency siren compares
On the decibel scale, 120 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Thunderclap 120 dB
- Chainsaw 110 dB
- Shouting or barking directly in the ear 110 dB
- Personal listening device at max volume 105–110 dB
How loud is an emergency siren?
An emergency siren measures about 120 dB, roughly as loud as a thunderclap. At 120 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 9 seconds a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is an emergency siren dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 120 dB, an emergency siren is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 9 seconds a day; use hearing protection beyond that.
Measure it yourself
Decibel levels vary with distance and surroundings. Check the real level where you are with the free online decibel meter — no install, nothing recorded — or see the full decibel levels chart.