[binarymax]

I also use earplugs and over ear noise cancelling headphones during flights. They work very well. I rarely fly United but I've noticed that some airlines are definitely worse than others when it comes to PA.

I haven't used it on flights yet but did some research and splurged on the Faber Acoustical SoundMeter (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundmeter/id287615105?mt=8&...). I bought it since I live on a busy road and lots of sirens go by, adding to the general traffic whooshing. Sirens are in the high range and go over 100. Its a good app to have to check whether I'm going crazy or if it is really loud in place where I'm feeling overwhelmed with sound.

I will be sure to try it out next time I fly and provide some data. Maybe we can crowdsource samples of airline loudness.

[MichaelGG]

In SF, waking around, the sirens seem so ridiculously loud. I have a hard time believing that loudness level was derived by research versus just going as high as possible without causing immediate physical damage.