Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Sound Meter at realtimesoundmeter.org (the "Service"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

Sound Meter provides a free online tool for measuring environmental sound levels in decibels (dB) using your device's microphone. The Service also provides educational information about noise levels and hearing health.

The Service is provided "as is" for informational and educational purposes only.

3. User Responsibilities

When using the Service, you agree to:

• Use the Service in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not use the Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Grant microphone permission only when you intend to use the sound measurement feature
• Not attempt to circumvent, disable, or interfere with security features of the Service
• Not use automated systems to access the Service without our permission
• Not use the Service in any way that could harm, disable, or impair the Service

4. Microphone Access

The Service requires microphone access to function. By granting microphone permission:

• You confirm that you have the right to grant such permission on the device you're using
• You understand that audio processing occurs locally in your browser
• You acknowledge that we do not record, store, or transmit audio data
• You can revoke this permission at any time through your browser settings

5. Accuracy and Limitations

Important: Sound Meter provides estimated sound level readings that may not be as accurate as professional-grade equipment. The accuracy depends on:

• Your device's microphone quality and calibration
• Environmental factors
• Browser implementation of the Web Audio API

The Service should not be relied upon for:

• Professional or legal sound level measurements
• Occupational safety compliance
• Medical diagnosis or treatment
• Any situation where precise measurements are critical

For professional requirements, please use certified sound level meters.

6. Educational Purpose

Information provided on the Service is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for:

• Medical advice regarding hearing health
• Workplace safety compliance
• Legal sound level requirements
• Professional acoustic assessments

7. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality of the Service, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, and software, are owned by Sound Meter or its licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from the Service without our express written permission.

8. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or resources. These links are provided for your convenience only. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement
• Warranties regarding accuracy, reliability, or completeness of information
• Warranties that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SOUND METER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY:

• Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, data, or use
• Damages resulting from reliance on information provided by the Service
• Hearing damage or health issues
• Decisions made based on measurements from the Service

YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sound Meter, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party

12. Modifications to Service

We reserve the right to:

• Modify or discontinue the Service at any time without notice
• Change these Terms at any time
• Refuse service to anyone for any reason

Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the state in which the Service is operated, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: legal@realtimesoundmeter.org
Or visit our Contact Page