Sound level meters are designed to help measure sound levels in decibels, both in the workplace and in the private sphere. Like temperature, noise is perceived subjectively. Someone complaining about his loud neighbour feels bothered by the music coming from his home: however, after measuring the actual volume in decibels, it often turns out that this subjective disturbance cannot be classified as noise. A sound level meter is also needed in the workplace to determine whether an employee needs special hearing protection or whether the existing sound level is reasonable and not injurious to health. Sound level meters are used in the following areas:
- In apartments to determine the sound level from the surrounding area
- In facility maintenance
- In air-conditioning and ventilation technology
- In workplaces, in the office and at machines