# Noise Exposure Calculator (Safe Listening Time)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/noise-pollution/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The noise exposure calculator works out how long you can safely be exposed to a sound level before risking hearing damage, using the NIOSH 85 dB / 3 dB exchange rate (and the OSHA 90 dB / 5 dB rule), and your daily noise dose.

## Inputs

- Sound level (dBA)
- Exposure time (h, min, days)

## Results

- Safe time (NIOSH)
- Permissible time (OSHA)
- Your noise dose (NIOSH)

## Formula

```
NIOSH: safe time (h) = 8 ÷ 2^((L − 85) ÷ 3)
OSHA: permissible time (h) = 8 ÷ 2^((L − 90) ÷ 5)
Daily dose (%) = exposure time ÷ safe time × 100
```

## Explanation

Every 3 dB increase doubles the sound energy, so safe exposure time halves. Concerts and clubs often exceed 100 dB, where damage can begin in under 15 minutes. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but preventable.

### How to use the Noise Exposure Calculator

- **Sound level**
- **Exposure time**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the sound level in decibels (A-weighted) and how long you are exposed.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterSound levelIn dBAExposure timeUnits: h, min, days

### What each result means

- **Safe time (NIOSH)** = 8÷2^(([Sound level] - 85)÷3)
- **Permissible time (OSHA)** = 8÷2^(([Sound level] - 90)÷5)
- **Your noise dose (NIOSH)** = [Exposure time]÷[Safe time (NIOSH)]×100

*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Sound level: 94 dBA; Exposure time: 2 h.

Results — **Safe time (NIOSH) = 1 h 0 min**; Permissible time (OSHA) = 4 h 36 min; Your noise dose (NIOSH) = 200 %.

## Key terms

- **dBA**: A-weighted decibels, adjusted to human hearing.

## FAQ

**How loud is too loud?**
Above 85 dB for 8 hours; at 100 dB, safe time is about 15 minutes.

**How loud are everyday sounds?**
Conversation about 60 dB, heavy traffic 85 dB, concerts 100–110 dB.

**Do earplugs help?**
Yes – foam earplugs reduce noise by about 15–30 dB when fitted properly.


## Sources

- [NIOSH – Criteria for a recommended standard: occupational noise exposure (1998)](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/)