What is a Decibel Meter?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A decibel meter is a device which measures sound pressure to determine how intense sounds are, measuring in decibels. Decibels are a logarithmic scale based on the sensitivity of the human ear. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss, making measurement of decibel levels important for people who work in noisy environments so that they know when they need to protect their ears.
For a frame of reference, normal conversation occurs between around 40 and 60 decibels, depending on who is talking. A firecracker is about 140 decibels, and a jackhammer runs at around 100 decibels. Musicians, mechanics, construction workers, and other people who work in loud environments can endanger their hearing, especially if they work in environments with explosives, which can generate sound waves intense enough to cause pain and immediate hearing damage. A decibel meter can indicate when sound has reached the danger zone.
The decibel meter measures the sound pressure and provides a reading in decibels for the convenience of the user. Some may also provide readings in other units of measurement, depending on the uses they are intended for. Decibel meters are often designed to be portable so that people can move them around as needed, and are often hand held, although sometimes they can be part of a permanent instrument array which is designed to take continuous measurements in a given area.
One application in which a decibel meter can be used is in the reinforcement of municipal codes. Many municipalities bar sounds above a certain decibel level for safety and comfort, and may have restrictions on noise during certain hours. Police officers can carry decibel meters to determine whether or not a sound is violating the noise ordinance. These devices are also used in noise pollution studies which are used to determine the impact of passing vehicles, aircraft, and other sound-generating objects on a community.
The decibel meter is also used in the music industry, during recording and setting up for concerns as well as monitoring of conditions in a concert. Similarly, meters may be installed in noisy workplaces to monitor conditions, and may be designed to send out alerts when people need to wear ear protection or take other precautions to protect their hearing. These devices are also utilized in testing of hearing protection such as ear plugs and headphones, with such products coming with a decibel ratings to provide an indicator as to which settings they can and should be used in.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
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![Exploding firecrackers register about 140 decibels on a decibel meter.]()
By: Jeffrey DalyExploding firecrackers register about 140 decibels on a decibel meter. -
![Decibel meters are often used to enforce noise ordinances in industrial areas.]()
By: bugphaiDecibel meters are often used to enforce noise ordinances in industrial areas. -
![Decibel levels are based on the sensitivity of the human ear.]()
By: DenDecibel levels are based on the sensitivity of the human ear. -
![Decibel meters determine whether or not a sound is so loud it can be damaging to the ears.]()
By: elavuk81Decibel meters determine whether or not a sound is so loud it can be damaging to the ears. -
![Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.]()
By: autayeuEar plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.
Discussion Comments
@KaBoom - It's actually very easy to cause hearing loss by being in an environment that is too loud. It really doesn't take much.
A friend of mine works as an audio technician and they faithfully check their decibel meters and wear earplugs when the sound gets too loud. Their hearing is important to their job so they have extra incentive to protect it!
That's interesting that anything above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. I think I remember reading that somewhere. I believe the same article said that most kids these days listen to their iPods much louder than 85 decibels. It sounds funny but parents might want to consider investing in a decibel meter to protect your kids delicate ears!
@ginSoul – That’s terrible! I hope the tickets weren’t too expensive. I don’t like loud sounds. There’s a bar at the end of my street. It’s a pretty long street, but if they have a live band playing there, sometimes you can hear their drums from almost halfway down the street.
We have a noise pollution law here, so bars have to keep the noise below 100 decibels, but that doesn’t apply until after 2 am. Frankly, I think our noise pollution law should be enforced at midnight – at least on the weekdays.
I went to see The Phantom of the Opera live a few years ago. It’s a beautiful musical. All the singers and actors were phenomenal, but I can tell nobody on the stage crew had a decibel meter because the lead male’s voice was so incredibly loud! My ears were ringing badly by the time the two hour long musical was over.
Someone on the crew should have turned his microphone down! I’m sure he was pushing above 90 decibels.
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