Prepare to scream! Halloween is this weekend, and it can get louder than you expect. We want you to have a frightfully fun time, so we want to discuss some of the hearing hazards of the holiday so you can take the appropriate actions.
Don’t Get Spooked by Loud Noise
Any damage to the internal structures of your ear can lead to hearing loss, including that caused by loud noise. Any noise over 85 decibels can harm your ears, which is about the volume of heavy traffic or your blender. Truly, 85 decibels isn’t that loud. That’s why you need to be extra cautious at events with elevated noise levels.
Loud Noise Hazards of Halloween
- Screams at scary attractions (e.g., haunted houses, scary movie marathons at a theater)
- Jump-scares meant to startle by being loud and sudden
- Loud music at a Halloween party
- Animatronic Halloween yard decorations with loud sound effects
- Fireworks
Preparations You Can Make
Your first and best line of defense is earplugs. When inserted properly, earplugs can reduce incoming noise levels by as much as 30 decibels. Disposable foam earplugs are easy to come by, but you can also find custom earplugs that fit your ears comfortably. Wear these at noisy parties and in haunted houses to mitigate the noise levels you encounter.
Also, while you’re in the haunted house, consider proximity. Keep some space between yourself and other people so no one screams directly in your ear, and give the actors, props and decorations some room, as well. There’s always a masked man with a chainsaw in a haunted house—remember that chainsaws can reach 110 decibels!
Finally, mind the music levels. Everyone loves the Monster Mash, but if it’s blasting over the speakers at a Halloween party, it will not only be too loud on its own, but the guests at the party may need to shout to be heard over the music, only adding to the noise levels. If you’re hosting the big Halloween bash, keep your and your guests’ hearing health in mind and keep the music volume at a comfortable level.
After Halloween
If you notice any signs of hearing damage in the days after Halloween, it’s a good idea to consult a hearing health specialist to assess the extent of the damage, as well as if it’s temporary or permanent. Some signs may include:
- Muffled hearing
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A feeling of fullness inside your ear
- Missed alarms, beeps and other high-pitched noises
Call us at Beneficial Hearing Aid Center, and we can help you with these. We want you to have a safe and fun Halloween. Trick or treat!