The 4th of July is right around the corner and for many people, it just wouldn’t be our most beloved American holiday without fireworks. But the spectacle isn’t without a major downside: fireworks are just plain loud
The 4th of July is right around the corner and for many
people, it just wouldn’t be our most beloved American holiday without
fireworks. But the spectacle isn’t without a major downside: fireworks are just
plain loud and can cause damage to your hearing.
Fireworks produce a sound output that is in the 150 to 175
decibel range. Medical experts advise that adults not be exposed to more than
140 decibels of peak sound pressure, or 120 decibels for children. If you will
be watching fireworks this July 4, be sure to protect your ears by:
Wearing earplugs – This is important for everyone, but
especially children who are more sensitive to noise. Over-the-counter foam
earplugs are widely available and can really help minimize any impact on your
ears.
Keeping a safe distance – The closer you are to the display,
the louder it will be. Commercial fireworks shows can be extremely loud and go on
for 20 minutes or more. The good news is, many of these spectacles burst high
in the sky so you needn’t be directly under them to enjoy the view. Check your
local newspaper to find fireworks displays in your area, then select a safe
spot to watch the show.
What are the signs that you may have experienced some damage
to your hearing? Persistent ringing in your ears, or even a minor a decrease in
your hearing ability that doesn’t go away for 24 hours, can be symptoms of
hearing loss. Don’t delay seeking an evaluation.
Pets know instinctively what people sometimes forget:
fireworks are just plain loud. But with a little advance planning, you don’t
need to hide like your pet to avoid lasting ear damage this July 4th