DB

DB

1. Database (DB). Common abbreviation for database. The abbreviation may be applied to any form of database, and does not imply any specific type of database.

2. Decibel (dB). A standard logarithmic scale for measuring the loudness of sound.

As a guide:

20-30 dB	a whisper
60 dB	typical conversation
70 dB	busy traffic, vacuum cleaner
80 dB	alarm clock
90 dB	hair dryer
100 dB	pneumatic drill

Exposure to 80 dB or above is considered dangerous to hearing and can damage hearing. The louder the sound the shorter the exposure required to damage hearing. Unfortunately hearing damage is permanent.

For more information see:

• www.jimprice.com/prosound/db.htm - Understanding dB.
• http://everything.explained.at/Decibel - Decibel (dB) Explained.
• www.dangerousdecibels.org/hearingloss.cfm - Dangerous decibels, about hearing loss. Article describes how hearing can be damaged by long term exposure to noise and gives an indication of noise levels hazardous to hearing.
• www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/noise.htm - Noise and Hearing loss.