Anyone who has ever stepped into a classroom has likely experienced at least one lesson where the noise level was so high that we found ourselves raising our voices just to be heard. And usually, it didn’t work—by the end of the class, we were hoarse, and our ears ringing.
In noisy environments, our natural tendency is to speak even louder to make ourselves heard. But how much noise is too much?
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). According to Google’s AI (accessed July 1), here are some reference points:
- 40 dB: A quiet office – considered pleasant.
- 60 dB: A normal conversation – manageable.
- 70 dB: A vacuum cleaner or fan – tiring over time.
- 80 dB: Heavy traffic or honking – annoying.
- 85 dB: The limit before hearing protection is recommended.
- 120 dB: Indoor concert – uncomfortable and potentially harmful.
- 135 dB: Jet engine – extremely loud and dangerous.
According to Sensonore, noise levels up to 85 dB are considered safe for human hearing. However, a 2009 study by Filho et al. conducted in a school in Taubaté found average classroom noise levels reaching 96 dB.
Source: Filho et al (2009)
In this study, students’ hearing was tested before and after school. The researchers found that 25% of students had worsened hearing by the end of the day. They also noted that “studies show noise leads to stress, difficulty concentrating, delayed neuropsychomotor development, aggression, and poor performance” – for both students and teachers. And of course, there’s the added risk of hearing loss and vocal strain for educators.
So, how can we manage classroom noise?
The first step is setting clear expectations with students about acceptable noise levels during different activities. For example, individual work should be quieter than group work – but even group discussions must have limits.
Here are some strategies that I’ve used and seen other teachers use as well:
1. Voice Levels Chart
Create a visual representation of expected noise levels so students can refer to it. Point it as a reminder when needed. Eg.:
Source: https://teacherscorner.folens.ie/too-loud-3-ideas-to-help-moderate-classroom-noise/
2. Use Digital Noise Monitors
These tools measure real-time noise levels and help keep students aware:
- Bouncy Balls: Colored balls bounce higher as noise increases. When the limit is passed, a sound plays to remind students to lower their voices. bouncyballs.org
- Calm Counter: Shows a noise scale that can be used with your classroom chart. calmcounter.ictgames.com
- Classroom Zen: Gamifies silence, for silent activities like tests. Students try to stay quiet to help a character meditate. The site also includes breathing exercises—great for calming down after a noisy period. classroomzen.com
3. Silent Signals
Address students individually when possible. If the entire class needs a reminder, use a silent attention grabber like raising your hand or flickering the lights. Be sure to agree on the signal and expected response ahead of time!
4. Background Music
Play low-volume instrumental music during group work. Let students know you expect the music to be audible throughout the activity. If the volume of chatter rises too much, give individual reminders.
5. Lower Your Voice
The louder you speak, the louder your students will talk – they’re just trying to hear each other! Speaking calmly can help lower the overall volume.
Tips for Protecting Your Voice and Hearing
Managing noise is only part of the solution. Here are some ways to protect your vocal and auditory health:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water – at room temperature! Cold water can harm your vocal cords.
- Avoid Vocal Strain: Don’t yell or clear your throat excessively. Whenever possible, provide independent work to reduce long periods of talking.
- Speak Efficiently: Use pauses, articulate clearly, and control your breathing to reduce fatigue.
- Take Hearing Breaks: Spend time in quiet places to give your ears a rest.
- Use Ear Protection: At loud events like concerts or festivals, consider wearing earplugs.
Which strategies fit your classroom best? Share your thoughts below and pass this on to a fellow teacher!
Sources:
FILHO, Nelson de Almeida; FILLETTI, Filipe; GUILLAUMON, Hiran Rocha; SRAFINI, Flavio. Intensidade do ruído produzido em sala de aula e análise de emissões acústicas em escolares. IN: Arq. Int. Otorrinolaringol. 2012;16(1):91-95. Disponível em: https://www.scielo.br/j/aio/a/6SNpRPCfNjtXSwCkyZc59Vw/?format=pdf (Acessado em: 01 de julho de 2025).
Sensonore. Qual nível de ruído aceitável para os humanos? Disponível em: https://sensonore.com.br/qual-nivel-de-ruido-aceitavel-para-os-humanos/ (Acessado em: 01 de julho de 2025).
By Adriana Oliveira
With a solid background in English Language Teaching (ELT), I bring extensive experience and expertise to the ESL industry. My skills encompass effective classroom management, innovative training methods, and advanced educational technology. I hold a degree in Language Arts from USP, complemented by specializations in psychopedagogy and educational management. Additionally, I am certified with CELTA, TKT CLIL, Train the Trainer, and CPE credentials from Cambridge University.
