The Fourth of July brings sunshine, sizzling grills and spectacular fireworks. But amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember that fireworks are loud. Some can reach 150 decibels or more, well beyond the safe listening threshold.
Before you head out to your Evansville celebration, take a look at our tips to protect your hearing without missing out on the fun.
Pack Ear Protection Before the Party
Just like you wouldn’t head to the beach without sunscreen, you shouldn’t attend a fireworks display without hearing protection. Whether heading to a backyard show or a large community event, earplugs or earmuffs can make a huge difference.
A few hearing protection options include:
- Foam earplugs. Inexpensive and easy to use, foam earplugs are perfect for one-time events. Just roll, insert and let them expand to fit your ear.
- Silicone earplugs. Silicone earplugs are relatively inexpensive and reusable. They’re ideal if you’re around loud noise regularly.
- Earmuffs. Earmuffs offer a comfortable and effective alternative to earplugs. They’re great for people who may not be able to wear earplugs, like young children or people who wear hearing aids.
Keep a Safe Distance
The closer you are to a firework, the more intense the sound. To reduce your risk of hearing damage, follow distance guidelines:
- Stand at least 35 feet away from ground-based fireworks
- Stay 150 feet or more from aerial fireworks
Distance doesn’t just reduce the risk of burns. It significantly lowers the sound intensity hitting your ears.
Listen to Your Ears
If your ears start to ring, feel full or if loud noises cause discomfort, your body is sending a warning. Don’t ignore it. Step away from the noise and give your ears a break for 10–15 minutes. Taking small breaks can help prevent long-term hearing damage.
Don’t Let Hearing Loss Sneak Up On You
If you notice any changes in your hearing after the celebrations, or if it’s been a few years since your last checkup, schedule a hearing test with Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. today. Our hearing specialists can help you stay connected to all the sounds you love.