Noise Level Tests

Rampmental Ltd carried out a noise level check on ramps situated at RAF Cosford and found that Skate Boards had a higher Decibel (db) reading on the Tarmac surface (72db) than on the ramps themselves (65 db) within a 5 metre radius. Above a 15 meter radius no reading could be detected above the ambient noise level of 55db.

Tests were carried out with Squadron Leader H.Harrison on 26th June 2004.

Below is an explanation of Decibel readings and how they affect the general public.

Noise Levels
Both the amount of noise and the length of time you are exposed to the noise determine its ability to damage your hearing. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially hazardous. The noise chart below gives an idea of average decibel levels for everyday sounds around you.

Painful:
150 dB = rock music peak
140 dB = firearms, air raid siren, jet engine
130 dB = jackhammer
120 dB = jet plane take-off, amplified rock music at 4-6 ft., car stereo, band practice

Extremely loud:
110 dB = rock music, model airplane
106 dB = timpani and bass drum rolls
100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill
90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway

Very loud:
80 dB = alarm clock, busy street
70 dB = busy traffic, vacuum cleaner
60 dB = conversation, dishwasher

Moderate:
50 dB = moderate rainfall
40 dB = quiet room

Faint:
30 dB = whisper, quiet library

Warning Signs of Hazardous Noise

1. You must raise your voice to be heard
2. You can't hear someone two feet away from you
3. Speech around you sounds muffled or dull after leaving a noise area 
4. You have pain or ringing on your ears (tinnitus) after exposure to noise.

Hazardous Noise
Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially dangerous. Both the amount of noise and the length of time of exposure determine the amount of damage. Hair cells of the inner ear and the hearing nerve can be damaged by an intense brief impulse, like an explosion, or by continuous and/or repeated exposure to noise.

Examples of noise levels considered dangerous by experts are a lawnmower, a rock concert, firearms, firecrackers, headset listening systems, motorcycles, tractors, household appliances (garbage disposals, blenders, food processors/choppers, etc.) and noisy toys. All can deliver sound over 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels.

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