Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Emergency siren
How loud is an emergency siren?
An emergency siren measures 110–129 dB, roughly as loud as a thunderclap. At 129 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 1 second a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 110–129 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme risk — NIDCD puts sirens at 110–129 dB — the top of that range damages hearing in seconds |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 1 second a day |
| Typical setting | city |
Figures sourced to NIDCD. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How an emergency siren compares
On the decibel scale, 110–129 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Thunderclap 120 dB
- MRI scanner 120 dB
- Military jet at 100 m 120 dB
- Pneumatic rock drill 115 dB
Everything at this level, with safe exposure times: how loud is 120 dB? →
How loud is an emergency siren?
An emergency siren measures 110–129 dB, roughly as loud as a thunderclap. At 129 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 1 second a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is an emergency siren dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 129 dB, an emergency siren is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 1 second 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.