| Category | dBA | Conversation | Hearing Health |
| Quiet | 70 or below | Great | Safe |
| Moderate | 71 - 75 | Feasible | Safe |
| High | 76 or higher |
|
|
| Loud | 76 - 80 | Difficult | Likely safe |
| Very Loud | 81 or higher | Very difficult | Likely unsafe |