The loudest sounds ever recorded
From the white bellbird to Krakatoa, the loudest sounds on record, with what was measured, where, and how sure anyone can be.
In air
Levels depend enormously on distance, so a figure without a distance tells you little. Peaks from blasts and gunshots are instantaneous pressures and run higher than averaged levels.
Is there a loudest possible sound?
In air at sea level, the loudest sound that can travel as an ordinary, undistorted wave is about 194 dB (peak, re 20 µPa). At that level the pressure swing equals atmospheric pressure, so the low-pressure half of the wave reaches a vacuum. Anything louder is a shock wave or blast, not a normal sound wave. More on the 194 dB limit.
Under water
These use a different reference pressure and a medium with very different properties, so do not compare them directly with the table above. Why.
See them in order on the Scroll.
General information, not medical advice. For any concern about your hearing or a child’s, see an audiologist or doctor.