America’s love affair with fireworks dates back to the nation’s earliest days of independence. This year, July Fourth is also America’s 250th birthday, so a surge in attendance at fireworks displays around the country is likely.
Many people underestimate the risk posed by fireworks. With noise levels between 150 and 175 decibels, they are loud enough to cause immediate damage to your hearing, including tinnitus (a ringing in your ears) and permanent hearing loss.
The following practices will allow you to enjoy fireworks while reducing your risk of hearing damage from them.
- Maintain a safe distance. The closer you are to the action, the more noise you’ll be exposed to. Aim for a minimum of 500 feet from where fireworks are being set off; this distance will still give you a great view while protecting your ears.
- Leave fireworks to the professionals. Many people enjoy buying fireworks and setting them off themselves, but this practice is fraught with risk. Not only do you increase your odds of suffering from an accident, but your close proximity to the action puts your hearing in danger, too. Skip the home display and enjoy a professional show instead.
- If you do buy fireworks, choose wisely. Fireworks include noise level ratings on their packaging, so look for those that are quieter (your neighbors will thank you). Good choices include fountains, wheels, falling leaves and comets, which emit crackles and whistles rather than loud explosions. Avoid rockets, mines and fireworks designed to produce multiple blasts.
- Wear hearing protection. If you insist on being as close to the display as possible or want to discharge your own fireworks, wear earplugs or earmuffs. Inexpensive foam plugs are available at most drugstores and will provide adequate protection. Earmuffs are preferred for children, as they provide a better fit.
Follow these tips for a happy (and safe) Independence Day!
Think you may have hearing damage from exposure to fireworks or other loud noises? Interested in getting custom-made earplugs to prevent further harm? Call Beneficial Hearing Aid Center to schedule an appointment.