Loudness is a measure of how strong or intense a sound is perceived by the human ear. It is often associated with the amplitude of sound waves; larger amplitudes produce louder sounds. Loudness is typically measured in decibels (dB), a logarithmic scale that quantifies sound intensity. Different sounds can have varying loudness levels. For example, a whisper might be around 30 dB, while a rock concert can reach levels of 120 dB or more. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage, making awareness of loudness important for hearing health.