Decibel - Accurate dB Meter 6.0

This tool is available for free.

Decibel Meter turns your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch into a professional and accurate sound meter, allowing you to precisely measure the sound pressure level in your surroundings. This tool is highly useful for various purposes. Are you curious about how quiet your room is or how loud a rock concert or sporting event can be? Decibel Meter will provide you with the answers.

A decibel meter is a device used to measure sound pressure levels in order to determine the intensity of sounds, measured in decibels. Decibels are based on a logarithmic scale that represents the sensitivity of the human ear. It is crucial to measure decibel levels, especially for individuals who work in noisy environments, as prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can result in hearing loss. This allows them to know when they need to protect their ears.

As a point of reference, normal conversation typically occurs between 40 and 60 decibels, depending on the individual speaking. A firecracker produces approximately 140 decibels, while a jackhammer operates at around 100 decibels. Musicians, mechanics, construction workers, and other individuals who work in loud environments are at risk of hearing damage, especially when working with explosives that generate intense sound waves causing pain and immediate hearing damage. A decibel meter can alert users when sound reaches dangerous levels.

The decibel meter measures sound pressure and provides readings in decibels for user convenience. Some decibel meters may also provide readings in other units of measurement, depending on their intended uses. These meters are often designed to be portable so users can move them around as needed. They can be handheld or part of a permanent instrument array designed for continuous monitoring in a specific area.

One practical application of a decibel meter is enforcing municipal codes. Many municipalities have regulations that prohibit sounds exceeding a certain decibel level for safety and comfort, with restrictions on noise during specific hours. Police officers can use decibel meters to determine if a sound violates noise ordinances. Decibel meters are also used in noise pollution studies to evaluate the impact of vehicles, aircraft, and other sound-generating objects on a community.

The music industry also relies on decibel meters during recording sessions and concert setups to monitor conditions. Similarly, these meters may be installed in noisy workplaces to monitor conditions and provide alerts when ear protection or other precautions are necessary to protect workers' hearing. Decibel meters are also used for testing hearing protection devices, such as earplugs and headphones, with ratings indicating the settings in which they should be used.