Noise Exposure Calculator – Calculate Safe Noise Levels & Exposure Time Limits

Protect your hearing with our Noise Exposure Calculator. Enter noise level in dB and daily exposure duration to calculate your noise dose and permissible exposure time per OSHA and NIOSH standards — critical for workplace safety and hearing conservation.

Noise Level (dB)

Typical: Office 50dB, Traffic 85dB, Concert 110dB

Daily Exposure (hours)

Safety Standard

Common Noise Levels:

• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• City traffic: 85 dB
• Power tools: 95-105 dB
• Concert/club: 100-115 dB

Exposure Analysis

Enter noise details and click Calculate to see analysis

Noise Exposure Guidelines

OSHA PEL: 90 dB for 8 hours (5 dB exchange rate)
NIOSH REL: 85 dB for 8 hours (3 dB exchange rate)
100% dose: Maximum permissible daily exposure
3 dB rule: Every 3 dB doubles sound energy

Note: NIOSH recommendations are more protective than OSHA requirements. Many experts recommend following NIOSH guidelines for better hearing conservation.

How to Calculate Noise Exposure

Enter Noise Level

Input the sound level in decibels (dB) from your environment or equipment.

Set Exposure Duration

Enter how many hours you're exposed to this noise level daily.

Get Safety Analysis

See your noise dose percentage, permissible time, and hearing protection recommendations.

Key Features of Noise Exposure Calculator

✓OSHA and NIOSH Standards

Calculate exposure using both OSHA (5 dB exchange) and NIOSH (3 dB exchange) safety standards.

✓Noise Dose Percentage

See your daily noise dose as a percentage — over 100% means you're overexposed.

✓Risk Level Assessment

Get instant risk classification from low to extreme based on your noise exposure.

✓Protection Recommendations

Receive specific hearing protection advice based on your calculated exposure level.

Noise Exposure Reference Guide

Common Noise Levels:

• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• City traffic: 85 dB (8 hr limit)
• Power tools: 95-105 dB (15 min-1 hr)
• Concert/club: 100-115 dB (damage in minutes)
• Siren at 1 meter: 120 dB (pain threshold)
• Gunshot: 140-170 dB (instant damage)

Safe Exposure Times (NIOSH):

• 85 dB: 8 hours
• 88 dB: 4 hours
• 91 dB: 2 hours
• 94 dB: 1 hour
• 97 dB: 30 minutes
• 100 dB: 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Noise Exposure

What is a safe noise exposure level?

NIOSH recommends limiting exposure to 85 dB for 8 hours. For every 3 dB increase, safe exposure time is cut in half. At 100 dB, limit exposure to just 15 minutes per day.

What is the 3 dB exchange rate?

The 3 dB exchange rate means that for every 3 dB increase in noise level, the safe exposure time is halved. This is based on how sound energy doubles every 3 dB.

What's the difference between OSHA and NIOSH standards?

OSHA uses a 90 dB criterion with 5 dB exchange rate (legal requirement). NIOSH uses 85 dB with 3 dB exchange rate (health-based recommendation). NIOSH is more protective.

When should I wear hearing protection?

Wear hearing protection at 85 dB or higher for extended periods. At 100 dB or above, always use protection. If you need to raise your voice to talk to someone 3 feet away, it's too loud.

Can noise exposure damage be reversed?

No. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and cumulative. Once the hair cells in your inner ear are damaged, they don't grow back. Prevention is the only protection.

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