About dBA: The dBA scale is a weighted decibel scale that approximates human hearing sensitivity. It is commonly used for environmental and occupational noise measurements.
Common dBA Levels and Effects:
| dBA Level | Example / Effect | Harmfulness |
|---|---|---|
| 140 dBA | Jet engine at takeoff | Pain, possible permanent damage |
| 120 dBA | Rock concert, thunderclap | Immediate harm, pain threshold |
| 100 dBA | Chainsaw, nightclub | Dangerous after 15 min |
| 85 dBA | City traffic, hair dryer | Hearing damage after prolonged exposure |
| 70 dBA | Busy traffic, vacuum cleaner | Safe for short exposure |
| 50 dBA | Normal conversation | Safe |
| 30 dBA | Whisper, quiet library | Safe |
Note: This tool currently measures digital loudness (dBFS), not true dBA SPL. For accurate dBA measurements, a calibrated sound level meter is required.