Apple Watch users can now actively monitor environmental noise levels directly from their wrist, offering a simple way to protect hearing health in an increasingly loud world.
The “Noise” application on the Apple Watch measures ambient sound pressure in A-weighted decibels (dBA). This standard reflects how the human ear perceives different frequencies.
A key feature is its ability to notify users when noise levels could become harmful. If the average sound level reaches or surpasses a user-defined threshold for approximately three minutes, the watch will send an alert.
Crucially, the app does not record or store any audio. It only calculates and displays the decibel value, ensuring user privacy.
The watch interface provides a real-time decibel reading, alongside a qualitative indication of “OK” for safe levels or “Noisy” for potentially damaging ones. Tapping the “Noisy” indicator can also display the maximum recommended exposure time to protect hearing.
Users can customize their noise threshold settings on both the iPhone via the Watch app or directly on the Apple Watch. Available thresholds include 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 dB.
For continuous monitoring, users can activate “Environmental Sound Measurements” to allow the app to take readings throughout the day. Alternatively, they can open the “Noise” app on the watch for on-demand checks.
All historical sound exposure data is automatically logged in the “Health” application on the iPhone, under the “Hearing” category. This allows users to review past notifications and environmental sound levels to identify patterns, such as specific locations or times when noise consistently exceeds safe limits.
These exposure thresholds are based on recognized standards for preventing long-term hearing damage. For instance, daily exposure of about 5 hours and 30 minutes at 80 dB can lead to temporary hearing loss.
Higher levels pose a greater risk: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes per day at 85 dB, 30 minutes at 90 dB, 10 minutes at 95 dB, and just a few minutes at 100 dB can be detrimental. When the watch repeatedly detects levels above 80 dB, it indicates “Noisy” and suggests reducing exposure, using hearing protection, or moving away from the source.
The accuracy of measurements can be impacted by external conditions. Water and wind, for example, may interfere with readings outdoors or near water. The measurement function also pauses automatically if the watch is in “Water Mode” or if another application is using the microphone.
The “Noise” feature was introduced with watchOS 6. It is compatible with Apple Watch SE, Series 4, and all earlier series (1 through 5) that have been updated to watchOS 6. Both the Apple Watch and its paired iPhone must be running the latest compatible software for the feature to function.