How long is safe?
Hearing experts (NIOSH) use 85 dBA for 8 hours as the limit, and halve the time for every 3 dB more. At 100 dB that is about 15 minutes. Concerts are often 100 to 110 dB near the front.
Tips
- Phone mics can under-read above about 100 dB, so the real level may be higher.
- Moving a few yards back from the speakers can drop the level by 6 dB or more.