Why Does Traffic Noise Irritate My Ears?

I was filming a video with my friends today for 2 hours. We found a good spot and started filming.

I could see in the distance a road where cars were passing by all the time. I looked at google maps and it was more than 100 meters away.

It still sound really loud and I started thinking it may possible damage my ears if I stay there for long, so after an hour I put earplugs in.

SO my question is why does city traffic sound so loud?

It was more than 100 meters away which means that the sound couldn't be more than 90 dB right?

 

I'm not sure but likely if it sounds loud then it is loud. Listen to your ears.