Keep on dancing
to a life’s soundtrack that’s crisp and clear
Calculate your noise dose and receive it to your inbox instantly, for free!
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.
1. know your limit
Be informed.
Use the noise-dose calculator to find out your personal sound level—the point where the World Health Organization says sound becomes harmful. It’s different for everyone, depending on how often and how long you party.
Knowing your noise dose helps you decide if and when to use protection, and which earplugs give you the best sound with the right volume-control.
It’s not about being sensible—it’s about listening smart
Our mission is to celebrate what our ears make possible. But damage has real consequences, and we’ve summarised them here to help you stay informed.
2. check venue loudness
Some venues have visible sound-meters. For those that don’t use this validated data-safe, free app from the CDC/NIOSH to quickly check the average sound levels (not peak sound levels.)
If the dance floor is louder (higher number) than your noise dose, think of volume-control, time in the venue and earplugs. If it’s quieter, then you can decide. This way you stay in control.
3. protect your experience
If your noise dose shows you need earplugs, it’s important to us that your experience is kept sharp.
Noise dose matching is unique to Life Is Loud—it helps reduce sound levels, minimising the loss of music quality.
86% of clubbers have tried earplugs, but only a third wear them regularly—mainly because of poor sound quality [ref].
We’ll send you three earplug options, free, that we have tested for sound-quality and comfort, and matched to your noise dose—so you don’t waste money on plugs that don’t work.
Em, Amsterdam
“I got interested in my hearing because I love music too much not to.”
Cam, London
“my ears are it. I use them all day. Whenever I’m having fun i’m using my ears”
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.