Are You Experiencing Hearing Loss after Seeing Fireworks? Seek Help and Protect Your Hearing in the Future.

If you recently saw a fireworks display, it was a good reminder of how loud they can get. Noises from fireworks can reach up to 150 to 175 dB. Annually, people who go to a live fireworks display without hearing protection experience some loss in their hearing abilities. 

Whether you experience hearing loss or not, please protect your hearing the next time you plan to see fireworks. If you’ve recently noticed problems with your hearing after seeing fireworks, see an audiologist immediately. It only takes one exposure to loud noise to permanently damage your hearing. Prolonged exposure to any noise over 70 decibels (dB) can begin to deteriorate your hearing health.

In the future, how should you prepare yourself before seeing fireworks?  

1. Are you standing far away from the source of the noises?

The farther away you are from the bursts of noises, the less likely you are to experience problems with hearing.

2. How far should you distance yourself from the source of the fireworks?

The World Health Association has stated that adults should not be exposed to noises from fireworks that reach over 140 decibels (dB). Fireworks noises that reach over 120 dB can be dangerous for children. Adults can safely be 15 to 20 meters away from fireworks that reach 170 dB. Kids should stand 50 to 60 meters away. Babies should never be exposed to fireworks because the noise creates too much sound pressure.

3. Wear protection for your Ears.

No matter what type of fireworks you plan to see - store-bought or professional fireworks displays - protect your ears. There are two types of hearing protection to choose from: 

• Foam earplugs, which you may insert in the ear canals. 
• Headphones, which you wear over the ears. 

If you are experiencing changes to your hearing from exposure to loud noises or for any other reason, please contact Northumberland Hearing Center. 

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