Happy July Fourth! Here’s how you can protect your ears during the festivities.
Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations and sometimes of New Year’s festivities too. No matter what time of year it is, fireworks are always fun. They do come with a risk, however, and that is noise-induced hearing loss. It is possible to have mild hearing loss due to fireworks, so it is best to do what you can to protect your hearing from fireworks.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss & Fireworks
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the four types of hearing loss and one of the most common in the United States. One can get hearing loss when exposed to a sudden loud noise or constant moderate or loud noise over time. A conversation usually happens at about 50 decibels, but any sound above 85 decibels, such as an electric drill, ambulance siren, shotgun firing, or fireworks, can cause hearing loss after a one-time or continuous exposure. Fireworks fall in the one-time exposure category, typically sounding at 150-175 decibels at close range.
How to Protect Your Hearing from Fireworks
Keep Your Distance
If you are planning to attend a fireworks event, it is prudent to keep your distance as much as possible. The farther you are from the blast, the lower the decibel level will be. Keeping your distance can also be advantageous; you will get a better view of the fireworks from afar than from underneath them.
Limit Exposure
Children have a lower decibel tolerance than adults, and infants should not be around loud noises at all if possible. From adults to infants, it may be better to skip out the neighborhood firework parties and go to a public fireworks show where you can view them from afar instead.
Buy Quieter Fireworks
If you are buying fireworks yourself, it is possible to find ones that have a relatively lower decibel level. Fireworks come with the decibel level they create on the package, and one can find ones with a lower rating than not.
Wear Hearing Protection
If you want to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang and you are the one setting the fireworks off, you can still enjoy them to the fullest while protecting your hearing from fireworks. Clarity Audiology can create custom earplugs for you for the best hearing protection.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations and sometimes of New Year’s festivities too. No matter what time of year it is, fireworks are always fun. They do come with a risk, however, and that is noise-induced hearing loss. It is possible to have mild hearing loss due to fireworks, so it is best to do what you can to protect your hearing from fireworks.