# NIOSH Sound Level Meter

> Free sound level meter and noise dosimeter app for hearing safety. (iPhone/iPad app by EA LAB.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [EA LAB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1005558529)
- Category: Utilities, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 16,645 App Store ratings · 188 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English, European Spanish
- Released: 2017-01-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820/reviews.md

## What is NIOSH Sound Level Meter?

This award-winning app combines the best features of professional sound level meters and noise dosimeters into a simple, easy-to-use package.
- Developed by experienced acoustics engineers and hearing loss experts.
- Completely FREE – No ads, no limited features, and no in-app purchases.
- Tested and validated (accuracy ± 2 dBA) according to standards in a reverberant chamber at NIOSH acoustics lab – the only proper method to validate accuracy.
- Trusted source and world-class expertise in noise and hearing research.
- Meets Type 2 requirements of IEC 61672:3 SLM standard when used w/ external microphone.*
- Provides the most relevant metrics found in professional sound instruments today. Averages such as LAeq and TWA, Max and Peak Levels, Noise Dose and Projected Dose according to NIOSH and OSHA standards, and all three major weighting networks (A, C, and Z). 
- Capability to calibrate either internal or external microphone. Reporting and Sharing data. 
- Up-to-date informational screens on what noises are considered hazardous, how to conduct a noise measurement, how to properly select a hearing protector, and guidelines for preventing hearing loss, all at the palm of your hand.
- Excellent and timely support from NIOSH hearing experts.
- Support for Apple's Health (Hearing) app.

* Celestina M, Hrovat J, Kardous CA [2018]. Smartphone-based sound level measurement apps: Evaluation of compliance with international sound level meter standards. Applied Acoustics, 139:119-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2018.04.011

More resources (including instructional videos and a user manual), a science blog, FAQ, and information about how to interpret results can be found on the NIOSH SLM website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html

## Key features

- Sound level measurement
- Noise dosimetry
- Hearing hazard information
- Hearing protector guidelines
- Data reporting and sharing
- Microphone calibration

## What do users think of NIOSH Sound Level Meter?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Free and ad-free
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- ⚖️ Accurate and reliable measurements
- 💡 Useful for monitoring noise levels in various environments
- 🔍 Provides detailed noise data and exposure information

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🔌 Issues with external microphone support
- 🔋 Can drain battery when running for extended periods
- 📱 Limited iPad optimization

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Inconsistent or inaccurate readings in some cases
- Inability to properly connect and use external microphones
- Freezing or crashing when minimizing the app

**Most requested features**

- Ability to save and export measurement sessions
- Option to run the app in the background while the screen is locked
- Integration with Apple Health for long-term noise exposure tracking
- Frequency-specific noise measurements (e.g., A-weighted, C-weighted)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 188)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Emailed reading

*2026-08-19*

I emailed myself a reading earlier today and it was never sent

### 5/5 — So good I’m surprised it’s free!

*2026-08-17, version 1.5.0*

It’s just nice that there’s an app out there that does what you want without constantly bombarding you with ads and limiting features

Need to check the noise level? Use this app

### 4/5 — yes

*2026-08-16, version 1.5.0*

yes

### 5/5 — Helpful

*2026-07-04*

I started using this at work because I needed a way to document the noise level around my desk. The people making decisions about the workspace aren’t the ones sitting there all day, so having actual decibel readings made it easier to show that the constant noise wasn’t just my perception. I was surprised that I had to prove my desk sits around 65 dB for a basic desk job, but I’m glad I had a free tool available to measure it.

I’ve also used it at home to check noise levels around my dogs so I can be more aware of what they’re being exposed to.

I also appreciated that the app is completely free. There were no ads interrupting me and no in-app purchases getting in the way, which is becoming less common.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your review and feedback!

### 5/5 — Awesome App

*2026-06-27*

App is working great. The developer(s) were awesome to deal with. Thanks

**Developer response:** Hello, please contact us directly at nioshnoiseresearch@cdc.gov and we will happily work with you to address any issues you have with starting and stopping the app.

### 5/5 — Great App

*2026-06-27*

App is working great Now! The developer(s) were very helpful.

### 5/5 — Thank you for creating this app

*2026-05-26, version 1.5.0*

It helps me with my science project

### 5/5 — Microphone unavailable fixed in 1.5.0(52)

*2026-05-16, version 1.5.0*

I have used NIOSH for several years but it recently fails reporting my internal microphone operates at 16000 Hz and 48 kHz is required. My Starkey hearing aids connected via Bluetooth is the culprit. If I turn off Bluetooth, NIOSH works but Starkey Thrive app can’t connect. Thank you NIOSH for this accommodation.

### 5/5 — Shut off bluetooth on Iphone while using with hearing aids.

*2026-05-13, version 1.4.2*

If bluetooth is on app will will grab hearing aid mics instead of phone mics.

### 5/5 — Microphone unavailable

*2026-05-09, version 1.4.2*

I have used NIOSH for several years but it recently fails reporting my internal microphone operates at 16000 Hz and 48 kHz is required. My Starkey hearing aids connected via Bluetooth is the culprit. If I turn off Bluetooth, NIOSH works but Starkey Thrive app can’t connect.

## Frequently asked questions about NIOSH Sound Level Meter

### What does the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app do?

This app functions as a professional sound level meter and noise dosimeter, allowing you to measure ambient noise levels and assess noise exposure. It provides key metrics like LAeq, TWA, Max, and Peak levels, as well as noise dose calculations according to NIOSH and OSHA standards.

### Is the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app free to use?

Yes, the app is completely free with no advertisements, limited features, or in-app purchases. It offers full functionality without any cost to the user.

### How accurate is the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app?

The app has been tested and validated for accuracy, with a tolerance of ± 2 dBA, according to standards in a reverberant chamber at the NIOSH acoustics lab. When used with an external microphone, it meets Type 2 requirements of the IEC 61672:3 SLM standard.

### What kind of information does the app provide about hearing safety?

The app includes up-to-date informational screens detailing what noises are considered hazardous, how to conduct noise measurements, how to select appropriate hearing protectors, and guidelines for preventing hearing loss.

### Can I use this app on different devices?

While the description doesn't explicitly state compatibility with all devices, it is designed for smartphones and supports Apple's Health (Hearing) app, suggesting compatibility with iOS devices. More detailed compatibility information can be found on the NIOSH SLM website.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5.0 — 2026-05-12

Support for arbitrary sample rates, bug fixes

### 1.4.2 — 2026-04-17

Increased UI and reliability

### 1.4.0 — 2026-04-07

- Fixed: Keep screen on while app is active
- New: Ability to select and delete multiple measurements at a time
- Audio engine modernizations
- Fixed: Help layouts on small phones
- Fixed: Overload indicator is now more reliable
- Fixed: Saving measurements rarely not working

### 1.3.3 — 2026-04-02

Many bug fixes

### 1.3.0 — 2026-03-26

Lots of small fixes and improvements

## Apps similar to NIOSH Sound Level Meter

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-xdb-sound-level-meter/id448155923) | 4.6 (160,618) | Free | Utilities |
| [Decibel X PRO: dBA Noise Meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-x-pro-dba-noise-meter/id1257651611) | 4.7 (6,888) | $69.99 | Utilities |
| [Decibel : dB sound level meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-sound-level-meter/id1227650795) | 4.6 (36,118) | Free | Utilities |
| [Noise Guru: Decibel Meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noise-guru-decibel-meter/id6444836813) | 4.6 (299) | Free | Utilities |
| [Decibel Meter · Sound Analyzer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-meter-sound-analyzer/id1624503658) | 4.7 (1,296) | Free | Utilities |
| [Decibel : dB Noise Level Meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decibel-db-noise-level-meter/id6464403884) | 4.4 (250) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by EA LAB

- [NoiSee](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noisee/id549239949)
- [Race Patrol](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/race-patrol/id1090326396)

All apps by EA LAB: https://appshunter.io/developer/1005558529

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*