How Loud Is 50 Decibels?

Fifty decibels is the level of noise of a quiet conversation at home or a quiet stream. In comparison, the general base of 70 decibels is the noise level of a vacuum cleaner or of radio and TV audio.

The sound of breathing is about 10 decibels. City traffic is 85 decibels. A motorcycle runs at 100 decibels. A rock concert is 115 decibels. A pneumatic riveter is 125 decibels. When standing within 80 feet, a jet at takeoff is 150 decibels, which is the threshold at which the eardrum can rupture. Anything over 80 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage with lengthy exposure.

History

From Wimbledon to the French Open: The History of Grand Slam Tournaments in Tennis

Science

These Endangered Species Were Brought Back From Extinction in the Wild

World View

What Are the Different Types of Microcomputers?

Pets & Animals

Are Turtles a Good First Pet?

World View

How to Replace Your Lost Social Security Card

Science

What Moon Is It This Month? A Year-Round Glossary of Named Moons