noisies noise!

[nathansphase]

is there a limit how loud a noise is,(disregarding the fact that we would be deafened),or is it like absolute zero there is a limit?

[Iggle Piggle]

On the decibel scale, 5 decibels is the sound of a quiet conversation, 40 decibels is the noise in a busy office and 160 decibels is the threshold of pain (like standing next to a jet aircraft at take off)
after that, things go a bit hazy, but I believe there are disaster alarms that sound at over 210 decibels and can be heard for many miles.

[tubeway]

As an audiologist - can I point out that 160dB is way above the level of pain. As part of my job I measure ULLs (Uncomfortable Loudness Levels) - this is generally around 100-120 dBHL.
160dB is 200% louder than 120dB (sound level doubles every 20dB) so is much beyond this. 160dB would cause irrepairable damage to the cochlea within a very short time.

With regards the question - I would have though that as sound is caused by pressure fluctuations there must be some sort of maximum limit

[Iggle Piggle]

Sorry Tubeway, you are right, its something I read in a car alarm guide about the 160dB pain level as car alarms are limited to around 120dB at 1 metre.
I guess the pain level would vary from person to person as well as personal experience was the pain from a jet taking off as my hearing defenders slipped !
cheers for the info.