At what decibel level does sound typically start to cause stress?

Sound typically starts to cause stress at around 80 dB. This level of sound can lead to discomfort and is considered to be the threshold where prolonged exposure could start to negatively affect an individual's well-being and performance. At this intensity, noise can not only cause distractions but also increase levels of anxiety and stress, impacting cognitive functions and overall effectiveness, especially in high-pressure environments like aviation.

Levels above this, such as 90 dB and 100 dB, further exacerbate these effects, but 80 dB is generally acknowledged as the point where individuals begin to feel stress from noise. It’s crucial to manage exposure to such sound levels to maintain focus and mental alertness, particularly in aviation where attention to detail is vital.