Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Learn More About Hearing Loss Prevention

Noise Meter

Play around with the Noise Meter and hear the different sounds and sound intensities of everyday objects. The red bar below shows how long it takes before a particular sound level becomes dangerous to the human ear. For example, a chain saw has a sound intensity of about 110 dB. Without proper hearing protection, running a chain saw for only 2 minutes can become dangerous to the human ear!

For more information on standards for noise exposure, see:

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126
Provides a basis for a recommended standard to reduce the risk of developing permanent hearing loss as a result of occupational noise exposure.

Download Noise Meter (.exe file)
Download and play the Noise Meter file on any computer, even if Flash is not installed.

If you do not have Flash, view the HTML version