Table 1: Examples of sound pressure levels in relation to hearing threshold and pain threshold (in dB SPL)
The range of human ear’s audible sounds goes from 0 dB SPL (hearing threshold) to 120-140 dB SPL (pain threshold)
| Source / observing situation |
Typical sound pressure level (dB SPL) |
| Hearing threshold |
0 dB |
| Leaves fluttering |
20 dB |
| Whisper in an ear |
30 dB |
| Normal speech conversation for a participant |
60 dB |
| Cars/vehicles for a close observer |
60-100 dB |
| Airplane taking-off for a close observer |
120 dB |
| Pain threshold |
120-140 dB |
Source: SCENIHR,
Potential health risks of exposure to noise from personal music players and mobile phones including a music playing function (2008)
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Section 3.3.3.1, Page 17
