Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Hair dryer
How loud is a hair dryer?
A hair dryer measures 80–90 dB, roughly as loud as a kitchen blender. At 90 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 2.5 hours a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 80–90 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Moderate risk — At 88 dB, NIOSH limits exposure to about 4 hours per day |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 2.5 hours a day |
| Typical setting | home |
Figures sourced to ASHA. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How a hair dryer compares
On the decibel scale, 80–90 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Kitchen blender 80–90 dB
- City traffic 80–85 dB
- Gas-powered lawn mower 80–85 dB
- Gas-powered leaf blower 80–85 dB
How loud is a hair dryer?
A hair dryer measures 80–90 dB, roughly as loud as a kitchen blender. At 90 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 2.5 hours a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is a hair dryer dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 90 dB, a hair dryer is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 2.5 hours a day; use hearing protection beyond that.
Measure it yourself
Decibel levels vary with distance and surroundings. Check the real level where you are with the free online decibel meter — no install, nothing recorded — or see the full decibel levels chart.