Chainsaw Sound Level in DBA

Noise Level

• An operating chainsaw generates 110 decibels (dB or dBA). Decibels are the units used to measure intensity of a signal and are commonly used in reference to sound. Decibel units can be expressed with dB or dBA, but it is more accurate to use dBA since this measurement specifically refers to the noise level of a signal.

Noisy Chainsaws

• At 110 decibels, a chainsaw is considered "too loud" by the National Institute on Deafness and "extremely loud" by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The sound level of a running chainsaw is on par with a rock concert and only 10 decibels lower than the noise of a jet engine. If you often use a chainsaw for more than one minute without ear protection, you risk irreversible damage to your hearing.

Noise Damage

• Loud noises damage our ears by damaging hair cells within the inner ear. These hair cells move in response to sound waves entering the ear. This movement sends signals to the brain that we perceive as sound. Loud noises can jolt the hair cells so intensely that they become damaged. Because the body doesn't replace these inner ear hair cells, the damage is permanent.

Noise Protection

• When using your chainsaw, even for short periods, you should protect your ears to prevent hearing loss. Earplugs or ear coverings stop 10 to 30 percent of the noise, but this can still leave the chainsaw's noise level in the harmful range. For the best hearing protection, use both earplugs and ear coverings when working with chainsaws or other loud yard tools.