What Is the Loudest Animal on Earth?

The sperm whale is the loudest animal on Earth. These majestic creatures can produce sounds that reach an astonishing 230 decibels. To put that into perspective, a jet engine, which is loud enough to cause hearing damage, produces about 150 decibels. The sperm whale’s vocalizations (called clicks) are so powerful that they can be harmful to humans if heard at close range.

When we talk about loudness, it is important to understand the decibel scale. This scale is logarithmic, meaning each increase of 10 decibels represents a tenfold increase in intensity. So, when a sperm whale clicks at 230 decibels, it is not just a little louder than a jet engine—it is more intense.

The sperm whale’s powerful clicks are primarily used for echolocation, a method of navigating and hunting in the deep, dark ocean. By emitting these loud clicks, sperm whales can map their surroundings and locate prey with remarkable precision. This ability is crucial for their survival, as they often dive to great depths where light is scarce.