When we talk about the volume of sound, we use a unit called decibel. It is used to measure the intensity of sound and is abbreviated as dB. The intensity of sound varies based on the source of sound and the distance between you and the source. The loudness of sound is perceived as an increase in the decibel level.
Decibel is a logarithmic scale that compares the sound level to a reference level, which is considered to be the minimum level of sound noticeable by human ears. The reference level is set at 0 dB, and any sound above this level is considered as a positive decibel value. As the decibel value increases, the sound becomes louder.
As per Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard, a sound level of 85 decibels per eight-hour day is considered the maximum limit for exposure. However, for every 3 dB increase in the sound level, the permissible exposure time is halved. For instance, if the sound level is 88 dB, the permissible exposure time is halved to four hours.
120 decibels is considered as a very high volume of sound. It is equivalent to the sound produced by a chainsaw or a thunderclap. Such high volumes of sound can be hazardous to human ears and can cause long-term damage to the hearing ability. Exposure to this level of sound can be fatal for sensitive ears.
It is important to note that distance plays a crucial role in determining the intensity of sound. As the distance from the source of sound increases, the intensity of sound reduces significantly. Therefore, if you are at a distance from the source of sound producing 120 decibels, the intensity of sound may not be as high as it is close to the source.
It is always advisable to protect your ears by using earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to high volumes of sound. These precautions can help prevent hearing loss or damage caused by the excessive noise.
In conclusion, 120 decibels is considered as a very loud volume of sound. It can cause irreversible damage to the hearing ability and is restricted for exposure. As the distance from the source increases, the intensity of sound decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to use protective equipment to prevent hearing damage when exposed to such high levels of sound.
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Frequently Asked Questions about How Loud Is 120 Decibels?
What does a sound at 120 decibels sound like?
A sound at 120 decibels is extremely loud and can cause permanent hearing damage if exposure is prolonged. It can be compared to the sound of a jet engine taking off, fireworks exploding at close range, or a jackhammer in use.
How long can you be exposed to a sound at 120 decibels?
Exposure to a sound at 120 decibels can cause irreversible damage to your hearing if you are exposed for longer than nine seconds. Even shorter exposure times can cause temporary hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
What are some common sources of sounds that are 120 decibels or louder?
Some common sources of sounds that reach 120 decibels or higher include concerts, sporting events, fireworks displays, gunfire, and construction sites. It is important to wear hearing protection when exposed to these types of sounds to prevent permanent hearing damage.
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