[DB]

Well actually not.

Those are the mean attenuations and the standard deviation is around 4 dB. If used improperly then all bets are off.

In addition, I use these earplugs every night. I have a sound level meter. I have experience in sound reenforcement so I have some understanding of sound pressure levels and what they are like along with relative levels.

And, 150 dB is at the source. From a ship deck the distance would be likely at least 50 feet attenuating the sound substantially. The article already says that it sounds similar to a smoke detector so the frequencies involved are not low. So no "scrambling of your insides" is likely. Only slight surface heating perhaps.

I've been in enclosed areas with average sound pressures exceeding 125 dB - with ear protection. Very loud... You can feel every hair on your body... If feels like they are all being touched/brushed at the same time... I blurs your vision... It's pretty amazing ;-)

[Dark Knight]

It is a directed weapon, so the we don't know how much loss of dB is as a function of distance, within reason of course. It may be like a laser beam at short distances, before atmospheric interference forces more normal sound behavior.

Here's a better story on the weapon.

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040307-120634-6220r.htm

DK