September 2026
Guide for reading the noise level reports
dB (decibel): the measurement of the intensity of sound.
dBA: the decibel level after applying a filter that roughly mimics human hearing. This is a more useful way of measuring sound as it’s specific to how humans interpret it.
LAS: the single loudest moment during the time period. Example: if the noise briefly reaches 92 dBA, the LAS is 92 dBA.
Leq: the average noise level over the time period.
L10, L50, and L90: the highest Leq at the loudest 10%, 50% and 90% of the time. Example: if L10 = 70 dBA, that means the sound reacehed 70 dBA for 10% of the time period.
dBA examples
20–30 dBA Whisper from a distance
30 dBA Quiet rural area at night
40 dBA Refrigerator hum
50 dBA Quiet conversation, light rainfall
60 dBA Normal conversation
70 dBA Vacuum cleaner, busy restaurant
80 dBA Heavy traffic from nearby, loud alarm clock
85 dBA Noisy machinery
90 dBA Motorcycle at close range, lawn mower
95–100 dBA Loud music concert
105–110 dBA Jackhammer
120 dBA Siren
130+ dBA Jet engine very close