Noise exposure

Power tools, a loud workshop or a gig. Add up your daily noise dose the way the HSE does.

Your details

First noise level
Hours at that level
Second noise level
Hours at that level

Tool manuals and safety data sheets give noise levels. HSE's rule of thumb: if you need to shout to talk to someone 2 m away, it is probably 85 dB or more.

92 dB for 2 h plus 82 dB for 4 h

86.8 dB

daily exposure, above the 85 dB upper action value

  • HSE exposure points150 (100 points is 85 dB)
  • Time at 92 dB that adds up to 85 dB1 h 36 min
  • At work, from 80 dByour employer must assess the risk and give you information and training
  • At work, from 85 dBhearing protection must be provided and used

Every 3 dB more doubles the sound energy, so the time it takes to reach the same dose halves. These are the legal workplace levels in Great Britain; the 87 dB limit is judged after any reduction from hearing protection. The same maths is a good guide for gigs, power tools and earbuds, though the law does not cover noise you choose. If you have to shout to be heard 2 metres away, it is probably around 85 dB or more.

See your GP if ringing in your ears does not go away or sounds stay muffled. Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears needs an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111.

The working

92 dB for 2 hours plus 82 dB for 4 hours

The regulations average the sound energy over 8 hours: 10 x log10((2 x 109.2 + 4 x 108.2) / 8) is 86.8 dB, above the 85 dB upper action value. In HSE points (85 dB for 8 hours is 100) that is about 150. At 92 dB it only takes 1 hour 36 minutes to reach the 85 dB dose.

The levels

Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

Daily exposureWhat the employer must do
80 dBassess the risk, give information and training
85 dBreduce noise, provide hearing protection, which must be used
87 dBexposure limit, after hearing protection, that must not be passed

Every 3 dB doubles the noise, so small changes in the number are big changes in dose.

Outside work

Gigs and earbuds

The law covers workplaces, but the same maths is a fair guide to noise you choose. Take breaks, stand away from speakers and use earplugs at gigs. Keep personal music at a level where you can still hear what is around you.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

  • Measure noiseUse a sound level meter or the figures from your employer.
  • Cover peak noiseSudden bangs have separate peak limits.
  • Test your hearingA hearing test can be arranged through your GP or a pharmacy hearing service.

Questions

Common questions

What noise level damages hearing?

At work, action starts at a daily average of 80 dB, and hearing protection must be used from 85 dB.

How long can I be exposed to 90 dB?

About 2.5 hours reaches the same dose as 85 dB for 8 hours.

Why does 3 dB matter?

HSE says every 3 dB doubles the noise, so the time to reach the same dose halves.

How loud is too loud at a gig?

If you have to shout to be heard 2 m away, it is probably 85 dB or more. Use earplugs and take breaks.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

When to get help

See your GP if ringing in your ears does not go away or sounds stay muffled. Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears needs an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111. At work, talk to your employer about noise controls and hearing checks.

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