How Loud Are Car Alarms?

I was shopping so my hands were full, and a car alarm went off next to where I was parked. I was exposed for about 15 seconds. I could feel the inside of my ears vibrating and my tinnitus has got worse which has made me worried It was so high pitched and loud, much louder than a horn. But it just seemed like a standard UK car alarm.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

They can hit 125db, but, decibel dropoff by distance is exponential, so even being a few feet away from the source cuts that dramatically.

I'd say that next time this happens you might want to plug your ears with your fingers if possible, but I wouldn't be worried about this brief exposure doing actual damage. If it worries you, you could load up on NAC/magnesium/antibiotics.

 

125 dB?!? Didn't think it would be that loud! I have some magnesium so I'll take some of that.

 

That appears to be the absolute upper limit for units specifically sold as extremely loud. I would imagine that typical alarms are more like 90-110 dB.

 

Ah I see, this was definitely a manufacturer's standard alarm, but it may be different in the UK? I can't seem to find much information. If it's 110 dB then I guess that's not too bad as it was a short exposure.

 

Did your car alarm spike subside?

 

Did you get hit by a car alarm?

 

Yes this morning. I was standing right next to my car. I was exposed to 3 loud beeps.

 

I haven't noticed any posts on the entire site of a car alarm causing a permanent spike. I think car alarms are relatively common since they go off so easily. My point is, it will happen to people here but no one has posted yet who thinks a car alarm worsened their tinnitus beyond a temporary spike. We are all different but it seems that car alarms may contribute to spikes but they don't seem to last?

I hope that eases your mind a bit? I also hope my observations are accurate.

 

I agree with @PeteJ. People have described temporary spikes from car alarms but I have never seen one be permanent.

 

Thank you Pete, I truly appreciate you being there for me and providing me reassurance. <3 I will remain calm and laid back so this spike can hopefully subside sooner