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 to the right 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 100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill 90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway Very Loud 70 dB = busy traffic, vacuum cleaner 60 dB = dishwasher Moderate 50 dB = moderate rainfall Faint 30 dB = whisper, quiet library