Page 11 - CertainTeed Ceilings E-Catalog

What is a Decibel?
Hearing damage may result when exposed to decibel levels above the pain threshold – 120 dB – even for short periods of time.
Environmental AcousticsTM design is based on understanding the properties of sound.
Sound is a three-dimensional force. Much like expanding bubbles, sound waves cause atmospheric changes, moving up, out and down equally and simultaneously to cause changes in atmospheric pressure. These changes in pressure, or sound pressure, and the intensity of that sound pressure, are what determine the intensity level or loudness of a sound.
The sensation of hearing, produced by vibrating the eardrum, is due to these small pressure changes. The sounds produced from these atmospheric changes in pressure are measured in decibels (dB). The lowest sound pressure that can be heard by humans is called the hearing threshold (0 dB). The highest that can be endured is known as the pain threshold (120 dB). Sound pressure at the pain threshold is a million times greater than that at the hearing threshold.
To understand how sound affects everyday life, it’s important to know where common sounds fall in the decibel range between the hearing threshold and the pain threshold:
– Normal office noise: 65 dB
– Lawn mower: 95 dB – Crying baby: 110 dB
The science of environmental acoustics studies the characteristics and performance of materials, products, systems and services related to sound and the effects of sound on the surrounding environment. Choosing materials or construction techniques that control, diminish or stop sound waves is the cornerstone of Environmental AcousticsTM design.
PERFORATION OF EARDRUM POSSIBLE
PROTECTION REQUIRED
DAMAGE MAY RESULT WITHOUT PROTECTION
EXTREMELY LOUD
PROTECTION REQUIRED IF EXPOSED FOR 8 HRS+
NON-HAZARDOUS
200 dB
170 dB Rocket Launch 170 dB Shotgun Fire
160 dB Fireworks 157 dB Balloon Pop
150 dB Firecracker
140 dB Engine Back re
120 dB Rock Concert 110 dB Crying Baby
100 dB CD Player
95 dB Lawn Mower
90 dB Busy Traf c Noise 85 dB Smoke Alarm
80 dB Hair Dryer
75 dB Traf c Noise 65 dB Typical Of ce
60 dB 50 dB
40 dB
25 dB 20 dB
10 dB 0 dB
Normal Conversation
Rainfall
Typing on a Keyboard
Leaves Rustling
Peaceful City Apartment
Soft Wind
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ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTICSTM DESIGN