For the Department of Defense, what is the established exchange rate in dB?

The established exchange rate in dB for the Department of Defense is 3 dB. This value is widely recognized in audiology and acoustics as it represents a doubling of sound intensity. In simpler terms, a change of 3 dB indicates that the sound power has doubled; thus, it is an important benchmark when discussing sound levels and permissible exposure limits.

In practice, using 3 dB as the exchange rate helps audiologists and health technicians ensure that when sound levels are increased by this amount, there should be a corresponding reduction in exposure time to protect individuals’ hearing. This 3 dB exchange rate is consistent with guidelines set forth by organizations concerned with occupational noise exposure, making it a critical standard in the field.