Decibels in Dishwashers

Average Dishwasher Decibels

• Dishwashers not designed to be "quiet" dishwashers typically emit a sound pressure level of more than 60 decibels. These dishwashers are usually among some of the least expensive dishwashers available. Although 60 decibels is likely louder than you might want your dishwasher to be, you do not run the risk of experiencing hearing damage due to a sound pressure level of 60 decibels. Sound near you that reaches about 85 decibels, however, is a concern.

Decibel Differences

• A difference of just a few decibels may not seem to be much, but that reasoning could be deceptive. A dishwasher that has a sound pressure of just one decibel more than another dishwasher is actually 30 percent louder. A dishwasher that is four decibels louder than another model is actually more than twice as loud.

Fifty and Fewer Decibels

• Because every decibel is equivalent to about a 30 percent increase in sound level pressure, the noise produced by a dishwasher with a sound pressure level of 50 decibels is significantly different from the noise made by a dishwasher with a sound pressure level of 60 decibels. A handful of appliance companies manufacture dishwashers that emit 50 decibels or fewer.

Decibel Comparison

• Comparatively, a dishwasher is not nearly as loud as many other items or events people typically hear. Leaf blowers, chainsaws and rock concerts each have sound pressure levels of about 115 decibels. Fireworks and gunshots have sound pressure levels of about 145 decibels. Those sounds can cause hearing damage if you are exposed to them for more than a few seconds.