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Engineering ToolBox > Subjective Effect of Change in Sound Pressure Level

Changing sound pressure level and the subjective effect on human perception

There are variations in individual perception of the strength of sound and studies have shown that in general the sound is perceived twice as loud if the sound level increases by 10 dB. Similarly, a 20 dB increase in the sound level is perceived as four times as loud by the normal human ear.

• Changing 1 dB in sound pressure level - Insignificant change in apparent loudness
• Changing 3 dB in sound pressure level - Just perceptible change in apparent loudness
• Changing 5 dB in sound pressure level - Clearly noticeable change in apparent loudness
• Changing 10 dB in sound pressure level - Twice or half as loud
• Changing 15 dB in sound pressure level - Significant change in apparent loudness
• Changing 20 dB in sound pressure level - Much louder or quieter, four time as loud