Noise volume is expressed in decibels, abbreviated to dB. The higher the number of decibels, the more noise, and in turn the greater the risk of (serious) hearing damage. Please note according to the European law in a working environment with a noise volume starting at 80 dB, employers are required by law to offer their employees hearing protection.

But there is another factor, namely the period during which the hearing is exposed to noise. The noise volume we can withstand ‘without damage’ for a few minutes represents a significant risk of hearing damage if the period of exposure is longer.

Below you see the noise volumes and how long we can bear them.
Whispering Talking Street noise Printer Lawn mower Hand saw Busy pub Forklift truck Motorway traffic Angle grinder Hand drill Snoring Circular saw Wind noise at 100 km/h Chainsaw High pressure cleaner Walkman Concert MP3 player at maximum volume	25 60 70 75 85 88 90 90 96 98 99 75 - 110 102 102 (under the helmet!) 105 108 80 - 110 90 - 115 120

The time factor
Some noises can damage our hearing irreparably in minutes or even seconds. Other noises we can withstand for longer, but are nonetheless just as destructive. Below you see the noise volumes and how long we can bear them.
80 dB 83 dB 86 dB 89 dB 92 dB 95 dB 98 dB 101 dB 104 dB 107 dB	8 hours 4 hours 2 hours 1 hours ½ hours ¼ hours 7 minutes 3,5 minutes 1,5 minutes none

If you then look at the list above of ‘common noises’, you can draw your own conclusions …