Below we detail the best decibel meter apps that you can use on your smartphone or smartwatch. They measure noise levels and alert you in real-time so that you can take measures to protect your hearing.
How Accurate Are Tracking Decibels Apps?
While highly effective, most of the decibel apps below do not meet ANSI or OSHA requirements. Employers are tasked with conducting sound surveys and audiometric testing if environmental noise is high. For environments consistently over 85 decibels, employers must implement a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP).
However, there may be times when the noise level at work is louder than usual, even if it is not regularly above 85 decibels. Or where outside noise is high. Apps can alert you in real-time to protect your hearing.
The best way to minimize your risk for noise-induced hearing loss are to:
- Walk away
- Turn the volume down
- Wear hearing protection
Now let’s explore your top options in real-time hearing safety apps.
#1 Built-In Headphone Decibel Tracking
You are likely to wear headphones for entertainment during your commute, to improve focus while working, or at home for personalized entertainment. While convenient, headphone-induced hearing loss is on the rise.
For this reason, many smartwatches and smartphones, including iPhones and the Apple Watch, have tracking decibel apps built in. These apps are limited and designed specifically to monitor headphone decibels. With headphones, volume is not the only factor, but also the measurement of the sound frequencies you are enjoying.
To turn headphone decibel tracking on in iOS devices, go to Settings, Control Center, and add Hearing. Once turned on, your phone or watch will monitor headphone decibel levels in real-time. To track your weekly headphone noise exposure, download the iOS Health app. This app can be leveraged to track a variety of health metrics beyond safe hearing levels.
#2 NIOSH Sound Level Meter
Rating: 4.7
Price: Free
This iPhone-only app was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is one of the apps that gets the closest to meeting industry-specific standards. It also collects in-depth data points that are utilized for ongoing auditory research.
#3 Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter
Rating: 4.6
Price: Free with in-app purchases
What sets Decibel X apart is that its calibration tools measure both dBA (soft) and dBC (loud) sounds. This provides a clearer picture of your noise exposure throughout the day. It is a solid choice when considering apps to track decibels.
#4 Sound Meter & Noise Detector Pro
Rating: 4.7
Price: $2.99
Sound Meter & Noise Detector Pro is designed to be easy and intuitive to use. It has a decibel dial for measuring noise pollution and a graph to visualize noise exposure throughout the day. The app has a free version, that is rated at 4.1.
#5 SPLnFFT Noise Meter
Rating: 4.9
Price: $3.99 with in-app purchases
SPLnFFT is the highest-rated app on our list, and one of the longest running apps of its kind. It is best known for its precision measurement. As such, the A&C weightings are compliant with ANSI® S1.42 standard.
The app alerts you to noise exposure with a combination of numeric measurements and a visualized green, yellow, orange, and red risk-level chart.
#6 Too Noisy
Rating: 4
Price: $7.99
Too Noisy is unique in a variety of ways. First, it was initially designed for monitoring noise levels in classrooms and other settings with large groups of children. Second, it is available in both a mobile and desktop app. Many teachers share the real-time noise level and reward their classroom for staying quiet.
Noise exposure is on the rise in schools, but protecting hearing is not the only objective of this app. The louder a classroom gets the greater the likelihood of disruptive behaviors.
#7 Sound Meter
Rating: 4.7
Price: Free with in-app purchases
With over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone, Sound Meter is one of the more popular decibel meter apps. It uses a simple dial and graph for measuring noise levels. The two downsides of the app are that it does not measure above 90 decibels on some devices, and it has a lot of in-app ads.
What About Background Noise?
While not necessarily harmful to your hearing, background noise can be extremely distracting. Wearing noise canceling headphones, investing in custom ear plugs, and strategically timing your schedule to quieter times of the day are highly effective at minimizing background noise. Audiology Island offers a variety of tips for conquering background noise, especially for those with hearing aids.
Is It Time to Have Your Hearing Checked?
In addition to utilizing apps to track decibels you must have regular hearing evaluations. The greater your noise exposure, the more frequently you should have your hearing tested. If it has been more than 3 years since your last evaluation, it is time.
If you live in or around Staten Island, schedule an appointment with Audiologist Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro. She will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation and advise on what measures you can take to preserve your hearing.
