A decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure how loud a sound is
(intensity). For example, a whisper usually measures about 15 to 30 dB, a
vacuum cleaner about 75 dB, and a motorcycle about 100 dB. Any sound over 85 dB
is considered harmful.
Author:
Jeannette Curtis Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Last Updated: May 25, 2007
Medical Review:
Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
