Hi there! My name is Scott, and I'm an audiologist with over 10 years of experience helping people with their hearing health. I've always been fascinated by sound and how it impacts our lives, and I'm passionate about helping people protect their hearing so they can enjoy all the wonderful sounds the world has to offer.

You're asking about 85 decibels (dB), and what that sounds like. Well, decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, which means that every increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. To put that in perspective, a whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is around 60 dB, and a jet engine taking off is around 140 dB.

So, where does 85 dB fall on this scale? It's considered to be in the loud range, approaching the level where prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage.

Here are some common sounds that are around 85 dB:

* Heavy traffic: Standing close to a busy road with trucks and buses rumbling by.
* Garbage disposal: The grinding noise of a garbage disposal in operation.
* Food blender: The whirring sound of a blender making a smoothie.
* Factory noise: The general hum and clatter of machinery in a factory setting.
* Lawn mower: The roar of a gas-powered lawn mower.
* Hairdryer: A hairdryer on a high setting, especially at close range.
* Movie theater: The sound of an action-packed scene in a movie theater.
* Alarm clock: A particularly loud alarm clock going off.

It's important to remember that loudness is subjective, and what one person finds tolerable, another might find unbearable. It also depends on how close you are to the sound source and for how long you're exposed to it.

If you're regularly exposed to sounds at or above 85 dB, it's crucial to protect your hearing. Here are some things you can do:

* Wear earplugs or earmuffs: When you're in noisy environments, wearing hearing protection can significantly reduce the dB level reaching your ears.
* Take breaks from the noise: If you can't avoid a noisy environment, try to take frequent breaks in quieter areas to give your ears a rest.
* Turn down the volume: Whether it's your music player, TV, or headphones, be mindful of the volume and keep it at a safe level.
* Get your hearing checked: If you have any concerns about your hearing, see an audiologist for a hearing test.

Remember, hearing loss is often gradual and irreversible. Taking steps to protect your hearing now can help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy hearing.
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Car wash at 20 ft (89 dB); propeller plane flyover at 1000 ft (88 dB); diesel truck 40 mph at 50 ft (84 dB); diesel train at 45 mph at 100 ft (83 dB). Food blender (88 dB); milling machine (85 dB); garbage disposal (80 dB). 2 times as loud as 70 dB. ... Living room music (76 dB); radio or TV-audio, vacuum cleaner (70 dB).read more >>