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Free Decibel Meter

70 Decibels — How Loud Is It?

Loud

70 dB is about as loud as washing machine. A washing machine mid-cycle or a television at a comfortable volume both measure around 70 dB. WHO cites levels near 70 dB as a general threshold above which environmental-noise annoyance starts rising sharply across a population — though 70 dB itself carries no measurable hearing-loss risk at any sustained duration under current occupational guidelines.

What does 70 dB sound like?

  • 70 dB — Washing machine
  • 70 dB — Television at a comfortable volume
  • 72 dB — Busy road traffic, from the sidewalk

Safe exposure time at 70 dB

Under NIOSH's Recommended Exposure Limit (85 dB, 3 dB exchange rate), safe unprotected exposure at 70 dB is effectively unlimited. Under OSHA's legal Permissible Exposure Limit (90 dB, 5 dB exchange rate), it is effectively unlimited.

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    Frequently asked questions

    How noisy is 70 decibels?
    About as loud as a washing machine or a television at a comfortable volume. WHO cites levels around 70 dB as where general environmental-noise annoyance starts rising sharply for many listeners.
    Can 70 dB cause hearing loss?
    Not from typical daily exposure. NIOSH's occupational exposure limits only apply from 85 dB upward over an 8-hour day; sustained exposure at 70 dB is not associated with noise-induced hearing loss.
    Is 70 dB a normal home noise level?
    It is on the louder end for a home — a washing machine or television at a comfortable volume both reach about 70 dB, but sustained background noise at this level throughout a home is unusually high.
    Does 70 dB require ear protection?
    No. Hearing-protection recommendations generally start around 85 dB under NIOSH guidelines; 70 dB, even sustained for hours, is not associated with noise-induced hearing loss.

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