Table 1.

Average estimates of common noise levels

Common noise types	Loudness level
Threshold of hearing	0 dB
Whisper, quiet library	30 dB
Unoccupied classrooms	30–60 dB
Refrigerator hum	40–50 dB
Typical conversations	60 dB
Daytime noise volumes in open bay neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)	60 dB
Busy traffic	70–85 dB
Occupied infant and toddler classrooms	60 – 90 dB
Child “bouncy seat” at typical head distance	85 dB
Small kitchen appliances (blenders, coffee grinders, etc.)	70–90 dB
Electronic toys when held 25 cm away	70–80 dB
Estimated threshold for adult noise-induced hearing loss	85 dB
Electronic toys when held near ear	80–90 dB
Noisy restaurant	80–90 dB
Threshold of pain	120 dB
Jet plane	140 dB

Estimates come from our own measurements, from Crandell et al. (1999), from Picard (2004), from Picard & Bradley (2001), from Taxini, Kinoshita & Guida (2013), from Lahav (2015), and from common sources; measures are a mix of dB(A) and dB(SPL).