Sounds above what decibel level require hearing protection?

Sounds above 85 decibels are commonly recognized as requiring hearing protection to prevent hearing damage or loss over time. Prolonged exposure to noise at this level can lead to irreversible hearing damage. Guidelines from organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) clearly state that at noise levels of 85 dBA and above, employers must implement a hearing conservation program to protect employees' hearing.

While sounds at lower levels, such as 80 dBA, may still be audible and could cause discomfort, they do not typically necessitate formal hearing protection measures. Levels above 85 dBA, especially at and above 90 dBA, significantly increase the risk of hearing impairment, which is why standards for hearing protection focus on that threshold.

It is important to understand that the need for hearing protection is often determined by the duration of exposure as well as the intensity of the sound. For example, at 85 dBA, hearing protection is recommended if the exposure time exceeds eight hours. As sound levels increase beyond this threshold, the recommended exposure time decreases, highlighting the importance of protective measures in environments with high noise levels.