If I blasted an inaudible sound at 160+ dB, could it kill someone?

Question

appearently inaudible frequency to humans still has a dB rating

Answer 1

If it's inaudible, how does it reach 160 dB?

Answer 2

Permissible Noise Exposure
The following are OSHA limits for sound exposure in dB for the A note. Note that higher dB means shorter exposure time. Also note the safe exposure time is cut in half for every 5 dBA increase in intensity. Clearly 160 dBA could do extreme damage over even very short periods of time.

Duration per Day (hours) Sound Level (dBA)
8 90
4 95
2 100
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115 [See source.]

BTW sound is defined as any vibration, not just those that can be heard. Also BTW 160 dB would be harmful even if it were in the audible range. dB is a measure of realtive instensity dB = 10 log(I/I0); where I is the measured intensity and I0 is the standard against which intensity is measured. Most instruments use I0 = 10^-12 watts/m^2, which is an average threshold for human hearing.

Answer 3

According to Wikipedia, the threshold of pain is given as 134 db and 185 db is listed as causing immediate soft tissue damage. At 160 db, all frequencies rapidly become inaudible due to damage to the ears. It is not likely that death would be immediate from such exposure, but extended exposure might be deadly.

Answer 4

A 160dB sound would inherently be audible due to wave distortion in air, but would be unlikely to kill someone. Because the dB scale is logarithmic, however, significantly greater amplitudes (180+) would amount to explosively concussive force, which has the potential to cause severe brain damage.

Answer 5

Why, are you planning on trying?

:-)