What volume of noise is considered excessive?
Ambient sound can hover around 40dB to 50dB, while very loud noises, such as heavy machinery, can reach up to 120dB. The decibel scale is not linear, so 100dB is not twice as loud as 50dB, but 32 times louder.
The general threshold for safe noise level is around 80dB, and even this volume can create hearing damage if exposed to it for long periods of time. If your workplace features machinery or any other tool or process creating sounds at or over 80dB, your hearing should be assessed and protected regularly.
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