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Instruments and players

Different members of the orchestra are exposed to different levels of noise. These figures (taken from various sources) indicate typical noise levels.

Noise Source	dB	Peak
Single musicians
Violin/viola (near left ear)	85-105	116
Violin/viola	80-90*	104
Cello	80-104*	112
Acoustic bass	70-94*	98
Clarinet	68-82*	112
Oboe	74-102*	116
Saxophone	75-110*	113
Flute	92-105*	109
Flute (near right ear)	98-114	118
Piccolo	96-112*	120
Piccolo (near right ear)	102-118*	126
French horn	92-104*	107
Trombone	90-106*	109
Trumpet	88-108*	113
Harp	90	111
Timpani and bass drum	74-94*	106
Percussion (high hat near left ear)	68-94	125
Percussion	90-105	123-134
Singer	70-85*	94
Soprano	105-110	118
Choir	86	No data
Normal piano practice	60-90*	105
Loud piano	70-105*	110
Keyboards (electric)	60-110*	118
Several musicians
Chamber music (classical)	70-92*	99
Symphonic music	86-102*	120-137
Opera Orchestra Pit
Violin	84-90
Viola	87
Cello	86
Double bass	86
Trumpet	93
Trombone	90
Horn	91
Piccolo/flute	90
Clarinet/bass clarinet	88
Oboe/bassoon	87
Percussion	85
Conductor	82
All instruments	88
*at 3 metres

Note: These representative noise levels are collated from a range of sources. They give an indication of the variety of noise levels and noise peaks that musicians and other workers can receive from the instruments concerned. This information may be helpful with estimating noise exposure and in identifying potential noise 'hot spots'. However, as shown, many of the instruments can exhibit a range of noise levels depending on how loudly they are played, for how long and under what circumstances (eg repertoire, venue, number of instruments concerned). Do not only use this information for a risk assessment but look at Sound Advice Note 3 Noise risk assessment and planning and any other relevant sector Note(s).

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