I believe 85 db is the threshold for damage.
Are your listening levels healthy? Doing damage?
Do you know decibel levels when listening to your system, and how loud do you go?
Since upgrading my system, again, I find my listening levels have tended to increase. Not because I'm slowly going deaf but because it's more enjoyable.
I measured the decibel level with a few iPad Apps, and there was lots of disparity. Plus or minus 25 dB.
Certainly if it's too loud I sense things are not healthy but I'd really like to know how loud things are since Google tells me prolonged listening above 70 dB could be damaging my hearing.
The apps on an iPad are clearly unreliable and now I have to contemplate spending several hundred dollars for a sound meter as well as a calibration device so I can know what my limits are and so I can be in compliance with Google.
Anyone know a good sound meter, and do most serious listeners get one of these things?
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Similar to the above posters, also using a Radio Shack meter. "C" weighted, fast response. Measured at the listening seat. Peak levels are almost always between 80 and 85 dB, regardless of genre. Quieter passages are obviously less. Most music isn't "prolonged levels". There's a big difference between peak levels of music and prolonged levels of constant sound and their effects on ear health. |
I have the classic Radio Shack analog meter that I've used for years, but switched to a newer meter https://www.reedinstruments.com/product/reed-instruments-r8050-sound-level-meter a few years ago and am happy with it. I try to keep my listening sessions around 80dBC on average. When I was younger I likely averaged mid 80s. I already have hearing damage from the many concerts I've attended over the decades, so I do try to prevent anymore from my home listening... |
