noise overdose?
Most people don’t think of music this way.
But your ears do.
FIND OUT YOUR PERSONAL NOISE DOSE, INSTANTLY, TO YOUR INBOX, FOR FREE
Are You Overdosing noise on the Dancefloor?
The lights pulse. The bass slams your chest. The crowd’s a sea of sweat and euphoria. You’re locked in- sound is your drug, and the club’s your dealer. But every tune, every drop, every hour under those stacks?
We’re not talking pills or pints. This is the invisible hit of decibels. The kind that makes your soul sing but can leave your ears ringing long after the DJ’s packed up. Too much, too often, and you’re not just nursing a hangover- you’re risking the music you live for.
Your ears are a masterpiece. Tiny hair cells- thousands of them- catch every kick drum and synth stab, turning sound into pure feeling. They’re why that perfect track hits like a tidal wave. But they’re delicate. Hammer them for hours, and they start to break. Snap too many, and they don’t grow back.
Think of it like a packed festival stage. A few ravers jumping around? The ground holds. A whole crowd raging for days? Get your wellies. Your ears work the same. It all adds up.
Like any substance, there’s a sweetspot.
This is your optimal noise dose.
Too little sound and the party never peaks. Too much and consequence hits in ways you can’t shake: ringing ears, muffled mornings, or worse — permanent changes that never fade.
Use our noise dose calculator to find your sweetspot - protect your ears and your experience.
By knowing your noise dose— the loudness at which the World Health Organisation warns of a noise overdose — you gain the power to choose.
Your noise dose tells you if you need earplugs, when you need earplugs and which earplugs to get.
we are partygoers, party-makers and hearing researchers with a shared goal: to keep you dancing without the side effects.
After all, music is fun.
Building on our award-winning, peer-reviewed research and grounded in international noise-health guidelines,
We assist you to discover your personal noise dose - your target dance-floor loudness - to maximise your staying power, minimise your hearing hangover and help you keep that soundtrack playing crisp and clear.
The Noise-Dose Calculator is provided for informational purposes only and is intended to encourage mindful listening in loud music venues. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The calculations are based on World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and assume that users’ exposure to other sources of leisure noise remains within normal limits. Individual noise sensitivity and hearing health vary. Those with existing hearing conditions, including tinnitus or hearing loss, might require additional protection and should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised advice.
This calculator is not intended for occupational use, including but not limited to DJs, sound engineers, security personnel, and bar staff. Those in such roles should follow applicable occupational noise exposure guidelines.
Life Is Loud accepts no liability for any health effects resulting from the use or misuse of this information. Use of this calculator is at your own risk.