What Does 70 Decibels Sound Like?

In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to various types of noise pollution. From the sound of vehicles on the roads to the noise of the machinery at our workplaces, noise is everywhere. With so much noise around us, it’s essential to know what levels are safe for our hearing. One particular level of noise that we hear quite often is 70 decibels. But what does 70 decibels sound like? Let’s find out.

What are Decibels?

Decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement used to measure sound. It indicates the intensity of sound and how loud it is. The higher the number of decibels, the louder the sound. For example, whispering constitutes around 30 dB, while a rock concert may reach up to 140 dB.

70 Decibels – Is it safe?

Many studies suggest that continuous exposure to sounds above 70 dB can cause hearing damage over time. Prolonged exposure to such high noise levels can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory problems. Therefore, it is essential to understand what a 70 dB sounds like, especially when it comes to maintaining your hearing health.

What does 70 decibels sound like?

Several sounds fall under the 70 dB level. Here are some examples:

Vacuum cleaner
Conversation at a restaurant

Hairdryer
City traffic noise
Alarm clock

Ringing phone

As we can see, these are everyday sounds that people hear all the time. However, what makes them harmful is their continued exposure. If you work in a noisy environment or listen to music on headphones for an extended period, you’re at risk of hearing damage if you’re exposed to sounds that reach 70 decibels.

How to protect your hearing when around 70-dB sounds

If you’re exposed to 70 decibels sounds for prolonged periods, you may be damaging your hearing health. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your hearing when around these sounds. Firstly, try to reduce your exposure to such sounds. For instance, if you’re at home, limit the use of a vacuum cleaner. Take breaks from listening to music or watching TV. Turn down the volume of your phone if you’re talking to someone in a noisy environment.

Secondly, consider wearing earplugs. They can help to reduce the sound level to a safe limit, protecting your hearing. Thirdly, invest in noise-cancelling headphones or earphones. They can help to eliminate outside noise, reducing your exposure to harmful sounds.

Final Thoughts

70 decibels may not seem like a lot, but it’s a level of sound that can cause hearing damage over time. It is important to understand what 70 decibels sound like so that you can protect yourself from hearing problems. Remember to take breaks from exposure to noise, wear earplugs, and invest in noise-cancelling headphones. By doing so, you can enjoy listening to music, watching TV, or working in a noisy environment without risking your hearing.

More to explore: Does A Smaller Nozzle Increase Pressure?

FAQs for What Does 70 Decibels Sound Like?

1. How loud is 70 decibels compared to other common sounds?

70 decibels is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner or a busy street with regular traffic. It is considered to be on the higher end of comfortable noise levels and may cause fatigue and irritation with prolonged exposure.

2. Is 70 decibels harmful to hearing?

Exposure to 70 decibels for extended periods of time can potentially damage hearing over time. It is recommended to limit exposure to such noise levels to only a few hours a day.

3. Can noise-cancelling headphones reduce 70 decibels to a safer level?

Noise-cancelling headphones can effectively reduce noise levels, but they may not be able to reduce 70 decibels to a safe level for prolonged exposure. It is important to be aware of the noise levels in your environment and protect your hearing accordingly.

4. How can I measure the decibel level of a sound in my environment?

There are decibel meters available for purchase that can measure the decibel level of sound in your environment. Additionally, there are smartphone apps that can estimate decibel levels, but they may not be as accurate as a dedicated decibel meter.