The Decibel (dB) is used to measure sound level. It also happens to be used in electronics and communication. The dB is a logarithmic unit used to describe a ratio. When used with sound it is the ratio of sound pressure intensity. An increase of 3dB is equivalent to doubling the power of the sound. A 10 fold increase is represented by an increase of 10dB.
For example, 10dB is 10 times more powerful than 0dB.
20dB is 100 times more powerful than 0dB.
30dB is 1000 times more powerful than 0dB and so on...
Unprotected exposure of greater than 85dB over 8 hours is known to damage hearing.
If you need to raise your voice to be heard over a background noise, chances are the background is over 85dB. A few examples:
- An office 30-40dB
- Normal speech 60-65dB
- Angle grinder 80-100dB
- Leaf blower 85-90dB
- Lawn Mower 85-95dB
- Chainsaw 100-110dB
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