would 57db to 75db be considered safe listening volume?

[naneek]

When using my stereo while my air conditioner is running, I end up turning it up higher than I would in a quiet room. With the decibel-o-meter app on my phone (called safenoise), I am getting an average reading of 57db and peak of 75db.

Within the dynamics of a song, these (approx 75 db) peaks sound a little too loud to my ear, but any lower and I am missing information.

Would you consider 57db to 75db to be a safe listening volume? or should I find another solution for listening to music and radio in a noisy environment?

Thanks all, and sorry if this is considered dumb or subjective, but your input will really help me out.

 

[Ironwolf]

Conversational volume is usually in the mid 60s. Your probably okay. I play my home rig in the mid 90s sometime peaking over 100. Not too loud.

 

[beyer160]

I was surprised how different the NIOSH and OSHA standards are, but by either measure 75db should be fine.

 

[M2roadwarrior]

Most standard vehicle horns are about 115db for reference

 

[drmordo]

As I recall, mastering engineers aim for mid 80s, so you are actually a bit on the quiet side. I trend toward low 90s when listening.

 

[MilwMark]

Is 75 a typo? Did you mean 95?

Or your dB meter is really off. 57 is lower than typical conversation if I recall. Pretty quiet to listen to music.

 

[naneek]

Great responses everybody, thanks for helping me calibrate my ears.

Not sure why, but I tend to be most comfortable with a listening volume so low that I can still clearly hear all the ambient sounds of the space I'm in.
It almost doesn't make sense for practical listening, but with a nice set of studio monitors, the frequency response is the same at any volume and it works ok.

I think the habit came from wearing headphones while walking in the city, keeping the volume as low as possible because I needed to be alert to my surroundings.

 

[Fretting out]

I figure if you can’t hear it, it’s not loud enough

And

If you get a headache after 15min it’s too loud

 

[Nick Fanis]

I mix for 4-8 hours per day at 80-85 (with intervals) and the occasional 90-100 when listening to the finished mix.

My hearing is still fine.

57-75 is whispering.

 

[drmordo]

...with a nice set of studio monitors, the frequency response is the same at any volume...

Maybe, but your ears hear differently at different volumes. In the low 80dBs is where your ears are the most flat. That's why mastering engineers tend to keep things around 80-83dB.

 

[Tidepoolbay]

No. 70 db is factory noise. Not good for long periods of time.

 

[naneek]

No. 70 db is factory noise. Not good for long periods of time.

Interesting. It may just be my crappy portable air conditioner that is bothering me. I measured the ac unit at close range and got 67 decibels.
Does anyone know of a portable air conditioner that doesn't make a hazardous level of racket?

 

[Ironwolf]

No. 70 db is factory noise. Not good for long periods of time.

No.

https://www.noisehelp.com/noise-level-chart.html

 

[Boreas]

There are a lot of variables as to what would be considered "safe". Frequency differences damage ears differently. High-frequency waves at high levels hit the ear with a lot of energy - one reason for loss of high frequency hearing in older people. Another is constant levels vs. impulse levels. But more importantly, the length of prolonged exposure is critical. I doubt anyone would go out on a limb saying 70dB is "safe" for long-term listening because some ears are more prone to damage than others. The best you can do is use common sense. If you notice any tinnitus (ringing) after a listening session, you may want to back off the volume.

 

[rangercaster]

Anything under 100db should be acceptable...

For me ...

I'm deaf...

 

[Boreas]

Anything under 100db should be acceptable...

For me ...

I'm deaf...

What?? Speak up please!

 

[Diytelecaster]

57 to 75 is fine. In England, above 85db and its mandatory to wear ear defenders in the workplace.

 

[notmyusualuserid]

I have to ask the OP, do you play in a band and/or go to live gigs?

 

[MilwMark]

No. 70 db is factory noise. Not good for long periods of time.

? Based on what?

 

[985plowboy]

Hey dude, at least you are thinking about it!
Good for you.

I’m 52 and never bothered to wear ear plugs.
Guns, guitars, tractor, lawnmower, weed eater, chainsaw, etc...
Two or three years ago I started to notice a constant hissing sound.
I hear it right now. I never don’t.
I have tinnitus and I am starting to have my family repeat sentences because I didn’t catch it the first time.

Protect your ears.