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In general, the louder the sound, the faster NIHL can develop. Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are generally safe. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.

Conclusion. The acceptable noise level for environmental noises is 70 dBA while the decibel level for hearing protection in occupational settings is 85 dBA and above.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended that all worker exposures to noise should be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to minimize occupational noise induced hearing loss.

NIOSH established a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) averaged over an eight-hour workday. Workers who are exposed to noise at or above the NIOSH REL are at risk of developing significant hearing loss over their working lifetime.

For noise, OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is an 8-hour TWA noise level of 90 dBA.

Occupational noise is defined as noise in the workplace. High levels of occupational noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, which is one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in the United States.

Sounds over 85 dBa can damage your hearing faster. The safe listening time is cut in half for every 3-dB rise in noise levels over 85 dBA. For example, you can listen to sounds at 85 dBA for up to 8 hours. If the sound goes up to 88 dBA, it is safe to listen to those same sounds for 4 hours.