|
Chart lists common sounds and their decibel ratings
0 dB– Lowest audible
sound
50 dB – Quiet empty barn,
babbling trout stream, gentle breeze
60 dB – Normal conversation
70 dB – Chicken coop,
farrowing area
85 dB – Tractor or combine
idling, barn cleaner, conveyor, elevator: You can begin
to lose your hearing at this dB if you're exposed to it
for eight (8) hours or more per day.
90 dB – Blower compressor,
pneumatic wrench, chopping silage (no cab), full-throttle
mower: If you are exposed to noises at this level for four
(4) hours or more per day, hearing loss can occur.
100 dB – Tractor at 80%
load, squealing sows, power tools, hand-held metal grinder:
One hour of exposure per day is the limit at this decibel
level.
110 dB – Average walkman
set above the halfway mark, full-throttle combine, 10-HP
vane-axial barn fan: Anything over 15 minutes exposure
per day can cause damage.
120 dB – Thunderclap
(near), sandblasting, bad muffler, old chain saw: The danger
is immediate.
140 dB – Gunshot, engine
back-fire, dynamite blast, jet engine. Any length of exposure
time is dangerous and may actually cause ear pain.
As noise gets louder, damage can occur sooner. There is
no "cure" for hearing loss. This chart is only
a guideline. Anything over 85 dB can be damaging to your
hearing.
Chart provided courtesy of the National
Farm Medicine Center |