Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

At what dB level do most people start feeling pain in their ears?

1. 120 dB

2. 130 dB

3. 140 dB

4. 150 dB

The correct answer is: 140 dB

The correct answer is based on research regarding sound intensity and its physiological effects on human hearing. Most individuals begin to experience pain in their ears at sound levels around 120 to 130 dB, with significant discomfort often reported as early as 130 dB. This level of sound pressure can cause immediate discomfort and a sensation of pain, leading to potential hearing damage or even irreversible harm if exposure is prolonged. Understanding the acoustic threshold for pain is crucial for safety, especially in work environments where high levels of noise are common. Awareness of this threshold helps in implementing preventive measures, such as hearing protection and noise control, to safeguard hearing health. While it is important to acknowledge the risks associated with very high sound levels beyond 130 dB, such as 140 dB and 150 dB, these levels are often not the starting point for the sensation of pain in most people. At these higher levels, the pain response is more pronounced and can be immediate, but the initial threshold is typically identified around 130 dB.