Safe Listening: How Loud, and How Long? Noise Exposure Limits Explained, and How to Estimate Your Own Headphone Level

A three-page general-information guide to published noise exposure limits and personal listening levels. It compares the NIOSH recommended limit (85 dBA for 8 hours, 3 dB exchange rate), the OSHA workplace limit (90 dBA, 5 dB exchange rate) and the WHO/ITU safe listening guideline (80 dBA for 40 hours a week), tabulates NIOSH daily exposure times from 82 to 106 dBA, shows how to estimate headphone level from sensitivity, impedance and output voltage, and lists practical listening habits. It is not medical advice; anyone with ringing, muffled hearing or other lasting symptoms should see a doctor or audiologist. You can estimate your own level and daily dose with the free Safe Headphone Volume Calculator from The Audio Stuff. More free browser-based audio tools: theaudiostuff.com/tools/.