Guides

Plain answers about noise, decibels and measuring sound with your phone.

How loud is too loud? Decibel levels and safe times

Safe listening times, everyday noise levels and the signs your ears have had enough.

dB(A), dB(C) and dB(Z): which weighting to use

What the letters after dB mean, when to use each, and what Fast, Slow, Impulse and Leq are.

How to measure and document a noisy neighbor

A step-by-step way to record noise from next door, and how to use the numbers with your neighbor, landlord or city.

How to calibrate your phone as a sound meter

Why phones read differently, the right way to calibrate against a reference meter, and what to do without one.

How quiet should a bedroom be for good sleep?

The levels sleep research recommends, how to record a full night, and simple fixes for road, neighbor and appliance noise.