Noise Exposure Calculator
Calculate noise dose and safe exposure time based on OSHA standards.
Results
OSHA limits occupational noise exposure to 90 dB for 8 hours with a 5 dB halving rate. Every 5 dB increase halves the allowed time. At 95 dB you get 4 hours, at 100 dB just 2 hours. This calculator determines your noise dose and whether your exposure exceeds safety limits. Hearing damage is cumulative and irreversible.
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Frequently asked questions
At 85 dB, OSHA allows 16 hours (using the 5 dB halving rate from the 90 dB / 8 hour baseline). However, NIOSH recommends only 8 hours at 85 dB using a stricter 3 dB exchange rate.
OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dB for 8 hours. NIOSH recommends a stricter limit of 85 dB for 8 hours. Both agree that above 140 dB is dangerous for any duration.
Dose = (actual hours / allowed hours) × 100%. A dose of 100% means you have reached the maximum safe exposure. At 95 dB for 4 hours, dose = (4/4) × 100 = 100%. At 95 dB for 8 hours, dose = 200% - double the safe limit.
Every 5 dB increase halves the allowed time. Starting from 90 dB = 8 hours: 95 dB = 4 hours, 100 dB = 2 hours, 105 dB = 1 hour, 110 dB = 30 minutes, 115 dB = 15 minutes.
OSHA allows 16 hours at 85 dB, but research shows hearing damage can occur with prolonged 85 dB exposure. NIOSH recommends hearing protection above 85 dB. Common 85 dB sources include heavy traffic and noisy restaurants.