What does 130–150 dB sound like?

A jet engine at takeoff produces one of the loudest sounds you can encounter in everyday life. At 25 meters, a jet engine measures around 140 dB — loud enough to cause immediate and permanent hearing damage without ear protection.

How it compares

For comparison, this is about 1,000 times more intense than normal conversation (60 dB). Airport ground crew must wear double hearing protection (earplugs plus earmuffs) whenever engines are running.

How to protect your hearing

Always wear certified hearing protection near active aircraft
Stay behind sound barriers when possible
Limit exposure time to the absolute minimum

Measure the actual dB level of your environment with our free online decibel meter, or estimate your cumulative daily exposure with the noise exposure calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How loud is a Jet Engine?

A jet engine measures 130–150 dB. A jet engine at takeoff produces one of the loudest sounds you can encounter in everyday life. At 25 meters, a jet engine measures around 140 dB — loud enough to cause immediate and permanent hearing damage without ear protection.

What is the safe exposure time for a jet engine?

The recommended safe exposure time for a jet engine is Less than 1 second without hearing protection.

How does a jet engine compare to other sounds?

For comparison, this is about 1,000 times more intense than normal conversation (60 dB). Airport ground crew must wear double hearing protection (earplugs plus earmuffs) whenever engines are running.

How can I protect my hearing from a jet engine?

Always wear certified hearing protection near active aircraft Stay behind sound barriers when possible Limit exposure time to the absolute minimum

How Loud Is a Jet Engine?