*Each picture represents the approximate loudness and pitch of that object

*Banana area represents range of conversational speech

Degree of hearing loss:

                                      0 - 25 dB                 Normal Limits

                                      26 - 40 dB               Mild Hearing Loss

                                      41 - 55 dB               Moderate Hearing Loss

                                      56 - 70 dB               Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

                                      71 - 90 dB               Severe Hearing Loss

                                      >91 dB                     Profound Hearing Loss
 
 

Approximate dB of Common Sounds

Another way to explain to hearing folks what a given hearing loss "sounds"
like is the following list of common environmental sounds and the
approximate loudness (decibel level) that they produce. This list was taken
from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Standards, and
provided by Cindy Gray.

Sound Source - approx. dB at the source

Normal breathing 10                                                                        Rock concert (in audience) 115

Leaves rustling in a breeze 20                                                        Stereo personal headset 115

City traffic 80                                                                                     Ambulance siren 120

Vacuum cleaner 85                                                                           Chainsaw 125

Lawnmower 95                                                                                   Automobile stereo (factory installed) 125

Video arcade 105                                                                              Football game (in stadium} 127

Motorcycle 110                                                                                   Jackhammer 130

Symphony concert 110                                                                       Baloon pop 157

Leaf blower 112                                                                                   Fireworks (range of 3 feet) 162

Radio headset 113                                                                              Handgun 166

Rock Concert (in audience) 115                                                        Shotgun 170