Sound Meter - Free Online Decibel Meter | Real-Time Noise Level Detection

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Click Start to Measure

✅ Status: Click Start to begin measuring

0 40 70 85 100 120

Silent Quiet Safe Limit Harmful Danger

Note: Estimated readings. Quiet room ≈ 30-40 dB, conversation ≈ 60 dB, traffic ≈ 80 dB.

Sound Level Guide

0-40 dB - Quiet

Library (30 dB), whisper, rustling leaves. Safe for all exposure times.

40-70 dB - Moderate

Normal conversation (60 dB), quiet office. Generally safe for prolonged exposure.

70-85 dB - Caution

Busy traffic (80 dB), vacuum cleaner. Extended exposure may cause fatigue.

85-100 dB - Harmful

Power tools (90 dB), motorcycle. 8h+ exposure can damage hearing.

100-120 dB - Very Harmful

Chainsaw (110 dB), siren. Minutes of exposure can cause damage.

120+ dB - Dangerous

Jet engine (130 dB), fireworks. Immediate hearing damage risk.

Note: Decibel scale is logarithmic - each 10 dB increase means ~10x intensity increase.

How to Use

1

Allow Microphone Access

Click "Start" and grant permission.
2

View Real-Time Readings

Meter displays current sound levels.
3

Monitor Environment

Check if noise levels are safe.
4

Take Action

Reduce exposure if levels exceed limits.

Safe Exposure Time by Decibel Level

According to NIOSH/CDC, the higher the noise level, the shorter the safe exposure time.

70 dB Unlimited exposure

Safe for all day exposure

85 dB 8 hours max

NIOSH recommended 8-hour exposure limit

90 dB 2-4 hours max

Lawn mower, motorcycle noise level

100 dB 15 minutes max

Hair dryer, power tools

110 dB 1-2 minutes max

Rock concert, siren

120+ dB Immediate damage

Firecrackers, jet engine - avoid exposure

⚠️ Important: For every 3 dB increase above 85 dB, safe exposure time is cut in half. Learn more at NIDCD.

Understanding Decibels and Sound Measurement

A sound meter (decibel meter) measures sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dB). Our online tool uses your device's microphone to detect environmental noise and provide real-time measurements.

Why decibels matter: The decibel scale is logarithmic - each 10 dB increase represents approximately 10 times more sound intensity and feels about twice as loud. This means 80 dB is not just slightly louder than 70 dB; it's significantly more intense.

🏥 WHO Recommendation: The World Health Organization recommends keeping noise levels below 70 dB for extended periods to prevent hearing loss. Sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure.

How noise damages hearing: According to health authorities, loud sounds damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. These cells don't regenerate, so damage is permanent. High-intensity or long-duration noise causes:

Mechanical damage to inner ear hair cells
Over-stimulation of auditory nerves
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Tinnitus (ringing in ears) and sensitivity issues

Health Impact of Noise Pollution

Beyond hearing loss, chronic noise exposure affects overall health. Source: WHO Europe

👂

Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Exposure to sounds ≥85 dB for 8+ hours can cause permanent hearing damage.

CDC/NIOSH Guidelines →

😰

Stress & Anxiety

Chronic noise raises stress hormones and increases anxiety disorders risk.

WHO Research →

😴

Sleep Disruption

Nighttime noise above 40 dB can disturb sleep quality and duration significantly.

Sleep Guidelines →

❤️

Cardiovascular Risk

Long-term high noise exposure may increase heart disease and hypertension risk.

WHO Studies →

🧠

Cognitive Impact

Noise pollution can impair concentration, memory, and learning abilities.

HHF Resources →

👶

Child Development

Children are more vulnerable to noise-related learning and behavioral issues.

WHO Findings →

🛡️ Protection Tips (from NIOSH/CDC):

Keep daily noise exposure below 70 dB when possible
Wear ear protection (earplugs/earmuffs) in ≥85 dB environments
Limit high-intensity noise exposure time
Use noise monitoring tools to track and manage sound levels
Give your ears rest periods after loud noise exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sound meter accurate?

While this online sound meter provides good estimations, it may not match professional-grade devices. Accuracy depends on your device's microphone quality and calibration. For precise measurements, consider professional equipment from certified providers.

Compare decibel levels →

Why do I need to allow microphone access?

The sound meter requires microphone access to measure ambient noise levels. Your audio is processed locally in your browser and never recorded, stored, or transmitted to any server. Your privacy is protected.

What is a safe noise level?

According to NIOSH/CDC, noise levels below 70 dB are generally safe for prolonged exposure. The occupational exposure limit is 85 dB for 8 hours. Levels above 85 dB can cause hearing damage with extended exposure, and anything above 120 dB can cause immediate harm.

NIOSH Guidelines →

Can I use this on mobile devices?

Yes! This sound meter works on both desktop and mobile devices (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile, etc.). Simply allow microphone access when prompted to start measuring. Note that microphone quality varies between devices.

How does noise damage hearing?

Loud sounds damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear's cochlea. These cells convert sound vibrations into electrical signals for your brain. Once damaged, they don't regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. High intensity or prolonged exposure accelerates this damage.

Learn more at NIDCD →

What's the "3 dB exchange rate"?

The NIOSH 3 dB exchange rate means that for every 3 dB increase in noise level, safe exposure time is cut in half. For example: 85 dB = 8 hours, 88 dB = 4 hours, 91 dB = 2 hours, and so on. This exponential relationship shows why small dB increases matter significantly.

📚 Authoritative Sources & References

All information on this page is based on guidelines and research from internationally recognized health and safety organizations: