How do I check the dB level on my phone?

Decibels (dB) are a measurement of sound pressure level, indicating how loud a sound is. Checking dB levels regularly is important for hearing health, as prolonged exposure to loud sounds above 85 dB can cause noise-induced hearing loss over time. Hearing damage from noise is permanent, so monitoring dB levels allows you to prevent harm.
Exposure to sounds at or above 120 dB, like fireworks and firearms, can cause immediate harm to hearing. Even lower dB levels can still damage hearing if the exposure is repeated and long-term. By checking dB readings on devices, you can identify sounds that are potentially dangerous and take steps to limit harmful noise exposure.
Using your phone or a sound level meter to periodically measure sound levels helps safeguard hearing by allowing you to minimize time spent in environments with dangerously high dB. This guide will cover how to check dB levels on both iPhones and Android devices.
Checking dB on iPhone
To check your headphone dB levels on an iPhone, you can use the built-in Health app (iOS 14 or later). Open the Health app and tap on the ‘Browse’ tab at the bottom.
Next, choose the ‘Hearing’ option. Here you will see an overview of your headphone audio levels over time. Tap on ‘Headphone Audio Levels’ to view more detailed info.
This shows your headphone usage in decibels (dB) and compares it against recommended audio levels. It provides dB readouts for various time frames – day, week, month, and all-time (1).
The Health app tracks your headphone usage and dB exposure over time. This allows you to monitor your listening habits and observe potentially harmful noise levels. Maintaining safe audio levels helps protect your hearing health.
Checking dB on Android
The easiest way to check the dB level on an Android phone is to download a sound level meter app from the Google Play Store. There are several free and paid apps that can measure decibel levels using your phone’s microphone.
Some popular options include Sound Meter, Decibel Sound Meter, and Smart Decibel Meter. These apps measure the loudness of your surroundings in dB and show the readings on your screen.
To use these apps, simply download one from the Play Store, open it on your Android device, and point your phone’s microphone at the sound source you want to measure. The app will analyze the noise through the microphone and display the decibel level on screen. Most apps also let you save measurement data and visualize sound levels over time.
Ideal dB Levels
When it comes to sound exposure, there are certain decibel levels that are considered safe and recommended for hearing health. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published guidelines on safe noise levels.
According to the WHO, sound levels below 70 dB are not damaging to hearing over a lifetime of exposure. At this level and lower, the risk of hearing loss is minimal. The WHO recommends an average daily noise exposure of no more than 85 dB to avoid permanent hearing damage over time (WHO).
The CDC states that prolonged exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB can cause hearing loss. They recommend that adults should not be exposed to more than 85 dB over an 8 hour period. Lower exposures are recommended for children. For every 3 dB increase above 85 dB, the recommended exposure time is cut in half. So at 88 dB, safe exposure is limited to 4 hours per day (CDC).
Overall, for protecting hearing health over a lifetime, sound levels of 70 dB or less are ideal. Brief exposures up to 85 dB are generally safe, but average daily noise exposure should stay below this level.
dB Levels to Avoid
Exposure to sounds at 85 dB or higher can damage your hearing over time (Source). The CDC warns that prolonged exposure to noise above 70 dB can start to damage your hearing (Source). Here are some examples of sounds that can be dangerous if you’re exposed to them regularly without protection:
- Lawnmowers and leaf blowers – 90 dB
- Motorcycles – 95 dB
- Fireworks and sporting events – 120 dB
- Rock concerts – 110-120 dB
At 120 dB, noise levels can cause immediate harm. Even brief, one-time exposure at this level can lead to permanent hearing damage. It’s critical to avoid noises this loud when possible.
Using dB Readings
Once you have taken dB readings with your smartphone or a dedicated dB meter, it’s important to know how to interpret and use those readings properly. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that an increase of 10 dB represents a doubling in loudness. Even small increases in dB levels can be significant in terms of potential hearing damage. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, sounds above 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss over time.
When using a dB meter app or device to monitor your environment, Focus on taking readings in different locations and during different activities. Readings taken close to loud noise sources like speakers, construction sites, or busy roads will be higher than readings taken further away. Compare your readings to recommended safe decibel levels to determine potential risks. If you measure high dB levels frequently, consider moving further away from noise sources, using hearing protection, or limiting your exposure time.
The goal is to use dB readings to identify problem areas and make positive changes to reduce daily noise exposure. This could mean altering habits, using earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, or advocating for lower noise levels in your community. With proper use of dB measurement, you can take control of your acoustic environment.
Limiting Exposure
Loud noises, especially when prolonged, can damage the sensitive hair cells inside your ear that allow you to hear. To avoid noise-induced hearing loss, it’s important to limit your exposure to loud sounds whenever possible. According to the CDC, you can take the following steps to reduce your exposure to potentially damaging noise levels:
- When possible, move away from the source of loud noise. Even just a few feet can make a difference in the intensity of the sound reaching your ears.
- Take breaks from noisy environments to give your ears time to recover. Stepping outside or finding a quieter space for a short while can help prevent cumulative damage over time.
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs when you expect to be exposed to noises at or above 85 decibels for extended periods. Properly fitted and worn hearing protection can block out hazardous noise levels.
- Be mindful of volume levels when listening to music through speakers or headphones. Listen at no more than 60% of full volume on devices to avoid damage over time.
- Ask your employer if they provide hearing protection devices and encourage their use when working in loud environments per CDC recommendations (2).
Making small adjustments to your daily routines and habits can go a long way towards safeguarding your hearing from excessive noise levels. When loud noise exposure is unavoidable, be sure to take proactive steps like using hearing protection.
Warning Signs
Exposure to excessively loud noise can cause hearing damage without you noticing it right away. Sometimes the effects are immediate and noticeable — your ears may ring or feel plugged up after leaving a loud concert or after firing a gun. Other times, hearing damage happens gradually over years of exposure. Here are some signs of hearing loss to look out for:
- Muffled speech — Words sound unclear or voices seem mumbled.
- Difficulty understanding conversations — Especially in noisy environments or when multiple people are talking.
- Frequently needing to ask people to repeat themselves.
- Turning up the volume on devices or TV higher than others need it.
- Constant ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (tinnitus).
- Hypersensitivity to certain sounds — Some frequencies may seem painfully loud even though they are at moderate levels.
- A feeling of being off-balance or dizzy (due to damage to the ear’s vestibular system).
- Mild hearing loss that comes and goes at first, but gradually becomes more persistent.
If you notice any of these warning signs, especially after exposure to loud noises, it’s important to see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. The sooner noise-induced hearing damage is detected, the better the chances of preventing it from getting worse.
Seeking Treatment
It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any sudden changes in hearing or develop any signs of hearing loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor if you:
- Have trouble hearing over the phone
- Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain
- Have trouble hearing in noisy environments, like restaurants
- Have trouble understanding women’s or children’s voices
- Have pain, ringing or discomfort in your ears
- Have dizziness, loss of balance or nausea
- Have drainage or bleeding from one or both ears
Seeing a doctor can help determine the underlying cause of hearing issues. An otolaryngologist, or ENT doctor, can examine your ears, give hearing tests, and diagnose any problems (NIDCD). Treatment will depend on the specific cause, but may include medications, surgery, hearing aids or other assistive devices. The sooner hearing loss is addressed, the easier it is to manage. Left untreated, it can get progressively worse. So if you notice any symptoms, don’t delay in consulting a doctor.
Conclusion
In summary, you can check the decibel (dB) level on both iPhones and Android phones using built-in apps or third party apps. Ideal dB levels are below 85 dB for prolonged exposure. Anything above 120 dB can cause immediate harm. Use dB readings to monitor and limit your exposure to loud sounds from headphones, speakers, concerts, construction equipment, etc. Signs like ringing in your ears indicate you may be exposed to dangerously high levels. Seek medical treatment if you are concerned about potential hearing damage. By understanding safe dB levels and checking your exposure, you can take steps to prevent hearing loss.