02-13-06: Dennis_the_menaceI initially was going to go into this, too, but when I'm talking about 100dB listening levels, a 110dB peak would just about bust my eardrums...and I used to play drums in rock bands, so I know what loud peaks feel like. Certainly, peak level is a factor.
i think dynamic peaks also play a role. you may be listening to 100db, but when the orchestra hits a forza, it's not just 100db, it's ++ so much more.
When I determine the decibel level at which I'm listening, I measure it at the peaks. Obviously, some others might figure a mean measurement.