Decibels (dB)

A decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is (intensity).

For example, a whisper usually measures about 15 dB to 30 dB, a vacuum cleaner about 75 dB, and a motorcycle about 100 dB. Any sound over 85 dB is considered harmful.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Charles M. Myer III, MD - Pediatrics, Otolaryngology