Noise Exposure Calculator

Calculate safe exposure times for different noise levels and determine your cumulative daily noise exposure. This calculator helps protect your hearing by following OSHA and NIOSH guidelines for occupational noise exposure limits.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the noise level in decibels (dB)
2. Input the exposure duration
3. Add multiple noise exposures if needed
4. The calculator will provide:
   • Safe exposure time limits
   • Cumulative noise dose
   • Required hearing protection rating
   • Risk assessment

Understanding Noise Exposure Limits

OSHA Standards

• 90 dBA for 8 hours (Permissible Exposure Limit)
• 5 dB exchange rate
• For every 5 dB increase, exposure time is halved
• 115 dBA absolute maximum exposure limit

NIOSH Guidelines

• 85 dBA for 8 hours (Recommended Exposure Limit)
• 3 dB exchange rate
• For every 3 dB increase, exposure time is halved
• 140 dBA absolute maximum exposure limit

Safe Exposure Time Guidelines

Common Noise Levels and Limits

• 85 dB: 8 hours
• 88 dB: 4 hours
• 91 dB: 2 hours
• 94 dB: 1 hour
• 97 dB: 30 minutes
• 100 dB: 15 minutes
• 103 dB: 7.5 minutes
• 106 dB: 3.75 minutes

Hearing Protection

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

• Light Protection: NRR 20 or less
• Moderate Protection: NRR 20-30
• High Protection: NRR 30+

Types of Protection

1. Earplugs

   • Disposable foam
   • Reusable
   • Custom molded

2. Earmuffs

   • Standard
   • Electronic
   • Communication enabled

Common Noise Sources

Workplace

• Heavy machinery: 85-95 dB
• Power tools: 90-110 dB
• Construction sites: 95-120 dB
• Manufacturing: 85-105 dB

Daily Life

• Normal conversation: 60-70 dB
• City traffic: 70-85 dB
• Lawn mower: 85-95 dB
• Music concerts: 100-120 dB

Health Effects of Noise Exposure

Short-term Effects

• Temporary hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Stress and fatigue
• Reduced concentration

Long-term Effects

• Permanent hearing loss
• Chronic tinnitus
• Increased blood pressure
• Sleep disturbances

Prevention Tips

1. Engineering Controls

   • Use quieter equipment
   • Install sound barriers
   • Maintain equipment properly
   • Use sound-absorbing materials

2. Administrative Controls

   • Rotate workers
   • Schedule noisy tasks strategically
   • Create quiet zones
   • Regular noise monitoring

3. Personal Protection

   • Wear appropriate hearing protection
   • Ensure proper fit
   • Replace damaged protection
   • Take regular breaks

Frequently Asked Questions

How is noise dose calculated?

Noise dose is calculated by comparing actual exposure time to the allowable exposure time for each noise level, then summing these ratios. A dose over 100% exceeds recommended limits.

What’s the difference between OSHA and NIOSH standards?

NIOSH guidelines are more conservative and protective, using an 85 dBA exposure limit and 3 dB exchange rate, while OSHA uses 90 dBA and 5 dB. NIOSH recommendations are based on preventing any hearing loss.

When is hearing protection required?

OSHA requires hearing protection when noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA for 8 hours or when the noise dose exceeds 100%. However, NIOSH recommends protection at 85 dBA for 8 hours.

How often should hearing protection be replaced?

• Disposable earplugs: After each use
• Reusable earplugs: Every 3-6 months
• Earmuffs: When cushions harden or damage occurs
• Custom molded plugs: Every 2-3 years