Loudness Sones File

We all know what it means to turn up the volume. But have you ever noticed that some sounds still feel "shouty" even at a moderate level, while others fade into the background? This is the difference between sound pressure (decibels) and perceived loudness (sones).

Here is a quick cheat sheet:

Next time you see a product claiming "Super quiet: 50 dB!" ask for the Sone rating. A 2-sone fan is a peaceful retreat. An 8-sone fan is a jet engine in your kitchen. Understanding the difference saves your ears—and your sanity. loudness sones