--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "NIOSH Sound Level Meter" developer_entity: "EA LAB" bundle_id: "eu.ea-lab.NIOSH" app_store_id: "1096545820" category: "Utilities" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Free" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS" app_last_updated: "2026-04-17" report_date: "2026-05-07" report_version: "1.4.2" total_reviews: 16196 overall_rating: 4.67 sentiment: "Mixed" sentiment_score: 45 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.65 top_praise_theme: "Accurate sound measurement capabilities provide professional utility for field audio and safety monitoring" top_complaint_theme: "Post-update technical regressions cause measurement failures and inaccurate readings on current hardware" top_request_theme: "Dark mode interface requested to improve usability for nighttime noise monitoring sessions" review_sample_size: 49 total_review_count: 49 analyzed_review_count: 49 data_age_days: 56 momentum_velocity: "maintenance" intelligence_version: 2 nemesis: "Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter" competitor_count: 4 tags: ["utilities", "free", "mixed sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "workers", "employers", "seeking"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/niosh-sound-level-meter" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" last_verified: "2026-05-07T13:00:59.683Z" --- # NIOSH Sound Level Meter App Audit ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Utilities · Free - **Signal**: Rating 4.67 · Sentiment Mixed - **Recent focus**: Post-update technical regressions cause measurement failures and inaccurate readings on current hardware (top complaint) · Accurate sound measurement capabilities provide professional utility for field audio and safety monitoring (top praise) · Dark mode interface requested to improve usability for nighttime noise monitoring sessions (top request) > **TL;DR:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a utilities app by EA LAB, rated 4.67/5 by 16.2K users, with Mixed user sentiment (45/100), available on iOS. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** — Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter shows Mixed sentiment (4.67/5 from 16.2K reviews) — users praise accurate sound measurement capabilities provide professional utility for field audio and safety monitoring but report issues with post-update technical regressions cause measurement failures and inaccurate readings on current hardware. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.67/5 (16.2K reviews) | | **User Mood** | Mixed | | **Category** | Utilities | | **Developer** | EA LAB | | **Pricing** | Free | | **Platforms** | iOS | | **Confidence** | High (0.65/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 56d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** EA LAB - **Category:** Utilities - **Target Audience:** Workers and employers seeking to monitor workplace noise exposure and prevent occupational hearing loss. - **Platforms:** iOS - **Version Audited:** 1.4.2 - **Audit Date:** 2026-05-07 - **Signal Count:** 49 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.65/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 1096545820 - **Bundle ID:** eu.ea-lab.NIOSH - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-05-07 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** NIOSH Sound Level Meter is a free, laboratory-validated acoustic measurement tool for occupational safety monitoring on iOS. **Why users hire it:** Users hire this app for compliance-grade noise exposure data that avoids the subscription costs and accuracy uncertainties of commercial alternatives. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Professional Sound Metrics:** Calculates LAeq, TWA, Max, Peak, Noise Dose, and Projected Dose using A, C, and Z weighting networks * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Differentiator] Laboratory-Validated Accuracy:** Tested to ± 2 dBA accuracy in a reverberant chamber at the NIOSH acoustics laboratory ## Market Position {#market-position} The app maintains a 4.67 rating across 16,196 total ratings, signaling high long-term trust despite recent stability regressions. Its non-profit, ad-free model creates a unique position against commercial rivals that gate professional metrics behind subscriptions. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Free - **Tiers:** Completely free with no ads, no limited features, and no in-app purchases - **Analysis:** The app operates as a non-profit public health tool provided by a government agency, prioritizing accessibility and data integrity over monetization. ## 🟡 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 49 of 49 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.67/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.7/5 (16.2K ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Mixed ### Top Praises - **Accurate sound measurement capabilities provide professional utility for field audio and safety monitoring** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Post-update technical regressions cause measurement failures and inaccurate readings on current hardware** ### Top Requests (What Users Want) - **Dark mode interface requested to improve usability for nighttime noise monitoring sessions** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Laboratory-validated accuracy (± 2 dBA) functions as a scientific barrier to entry for non-specialized apps. **Critical Frictions:** - Technical regressions on current hardware cause measurement failures, increasing churn risk. **Growth Levers:** - Tablet-optimized interface would capture professional audio technician workflows. **Market Threats:** - Commercial rivals with 2-week update cadences are capturing market share through rapid feature iteration. ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### NIOSH Sound Level Meter vs Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter — Head to Head - **[Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter)** by SkyPaw Co., Limited: This app is the dominant commercial alternative in the sound measurement niche, maintaining a massive user base and consistent update cadence. - **Moat strength:** Medium — durable but contestable - **Key differences:** - Offers a sophisticated spectrum analyzer and frequency weighting options that target professional audio engineers. - Monetizes through a freemium model with advanced features locked behind subscriptions, contrasting with our completely free approach. - Provides extensive calibration settings to adjust for specific device microphone hardware variations. - **Where NIOSH Sound Level Meter wins:** - ✅ Maintains a pure, non-commercial value proposition with zero ads or hidden subscription paywalls for users. - ✅ Provides scientifically validated accuracy standards backed by NIOSH, which builds significant trust with professional safety officers. - **Where Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter wins:** - ❌ Features a highly polished, modern UI that appeals to casual users more than our utilitarian, research-focused interface. - ❌ Includes advanced data export and visualization tools that allow users to track noise levels over long durations. - **Verdict:** We must emphasize our scientific validation and zero-cost model to defend against their feature-rich but monetized subscription strategy. ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **[Sound Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1)** by Coolexp [Moat: Low]: High release velocity indicates an aggressive attempt to capture market share through frequent feature iteration. - Aggressive update schedule allows for rapid integration of user-requested features and bug fixes. - Focuses on a simplified, high-contrast visual display that prioritizes readability in low-light industrial environments. ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **[Network Analyzer Pro](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer)** by Techet: Shares the 'Utilities' category and professional-tool positioning, though it serves a different technical domain. - Provides deep-dive network diagnostics and connectivity testing tools for IT professionals and network administrators. - Establishes a strong reputation for technical reliability in a completely different utility sub-sector. ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **[Clock Wave](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder)** by 震 任: Recent update activity suggests an attempt to pivot or maintain relevance in the utility space. ## App Momentum (Maintenance) {#momentum} - Shipped stability improvements in latest release. - Maintained zero-cost, ad-free public health model. > **Cadence:** 1 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 19 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} NIOSH Sound Level Meter is an established utilities app that is completely free. With a 4.67/5 rating from 16.2K reviews, it shows polarized user reception. > **Bottom Line:** The app maintains a unique position through scientific validation, but recent stability regressions threaten to alienate the professional user base, so the team must prioritize a stability patch to restore baseline measurement reliability. **Best for:** Workers and employers seeking to monitor workplace noise exposure and prevent occupational hearing loss. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [INVEST] [HIGH IMPACT] Ship stability patch for current hardware because measurement failures are the top complaint → restore baseline utility. — *Measurement failures are the #1 complaint theme in recent user sentiment data.* _(trade-off: deprioritize Push the dark mode request to Q3 — stability is a prerequisite for professional trust.)_ ### Feature Gaps vs Competitors - Advanced spectrum analyzer (available in Decibel X but missing here) - Long-duration data visualization (available in Decibel X but missing here) ### Outlook: Declining The acoustic measurement category is shifting toward high-frequency feature iteration, leaving this app exposed due to its slower, research-focused update cycle. Stability regressions in the latest version further weaken its competitive position, so the team must restore core functionality to prevent further user attrition. - 🔴 Technical regressions in the latest update cause measurement failures, which erodes the professional trust required for safety-critical applications. - 🔴 Lack of background recording capability forces users to keep the screen active, limiting utility for long-term monitoring workflows. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.67/5 | | Total Reviews | 16.2K | | Sentiment | Mixed (45/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Free | | Platforms | iOS | | Key Features | 2 analyzed | | Outlook | Declining | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **NIOSH Sound Level Meter** (this app) | 4.67/5 | Mixed | EA LAB | | [Network Analyzer Pro](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer) | 4.8/5 | N/A | Techet | | [Clock Wave](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder) | 4.7/5 | Mixed | 震 任 | | [Sound Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1) | 4.5/5 | N/A | Coolexp | | [Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter) | 4.7/5 | N/A | SkyPaw Co., Limited | | [V2Box - V2ray Client](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) | 4.5/5 | Mixed | techlaim | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** EA LAB - **Website:** [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/CDCgov) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/share) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820?uo=4) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html) - **Sources:** Developer website content, About us / company information, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Network Analyzer Pro*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/net-techet-netanalyzer) (Techet) — 4.8/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Clock Wave*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rzapps-timecoder) (震 任) — 4.7/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Sound Meter*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/sound-meter-1) (Coolexp) — 4.5/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter) (SkyPaw Co., Limited) — 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*V2Box - V2ray Client*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/v2box-v2ray-client) (techlaim) — 4.5/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Quantumult X*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/quantumult-x) (Cross Utility Ltd) — 3.9/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment - [*Free VPN by Free VPN .org™*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/free-vpn-by-free-vpn-org) (Free VPN LLC) — 4.3/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Potatso*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/potatso) (Potatso Lab LTD) — 4.4/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment - [*Calculator# Hide Photos Videos*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/calculator-hide-photos-videos) (NewSoftwares.net) — 4.4/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Rizz AI Chat Coach: Grizzly AI*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/grizzly-ai-gen-z-message-coach) (Tetiana Oliinyk) — 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is NIOSH Sound Level Meter accurate enough for workplace compliance? The app is tested to ± 2 dBA accuracy in a reverberant chamber at the NIOSH acoustics laboratory and meets Type 2 requirements of IEC 61672:3 when used with an external microphone. ### Does this app have ads or in-app purchases? No, the app is completely free with no ads, no limited features, and no in-app purchases as it is provided by a government agency. ### How does this compare to Decibel X? NIOSH Sound Level Meter focuses on scientifically validated accuracy and professional compliance for free, whereas Decibel X offers a more polished UI and advanced spectrum analysis behind a subscription model. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** — Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** — Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** — Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction and evidence quoting. 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** — Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** — Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.65/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 49 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, company about page, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 56 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/niosh-sound-level-meter) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.