July Fourth is here again, and with it comes barbecues, warm weather and, most importantly, fireworks. While fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, they can get pretty loud, sometimes reaching upwards of 150 dB—well above the threshold for hearing damage.
Let’s take a look at a few safety tips you can employ to celebrate the Fourth of July without hurting your ears.
Wear Earplugs
Earplugs are the number one way to protect your hearing at fireworks shows. They work by dampening the force with which intense sound hits your ears. A few different types of earplugs include:
- Foam. Disposable foam earplugs are a great option if you aren’t around a ton of loud noise. Simply roll them between your fingers and insert them in your ears. They’ll expand to fill your ears and keep you safe.
- Silicone. Silicone earplugs are a sleek, cost-effective, reusable option. They’re great if you frequently encounter loud noises like snoring or music from concert halls.
- Custom. Custom earplugs are specially molded to your ear shape. They’re comfortable and effective at blocking out all levels of noise. Swimmers often use custom earplugs to block out water.
- High-fidelity earplugs. High-fidelity earplugs are designed to dampen sound volume without affecting quality. They’re a popular option for musicians or concertgoers.
If you don’t like wearing earplugs, earmuffs are a good over-the-ear option.
Stand Away from Fireworks
Keeping a safe distance from fireworks doesn’t just protect your limbs. It can help protect your hearing. The Cleveland Clinic recommends standing at least 35 feet away from ground fireworks (fountain sparklers, spinning options, etc.) and 150 feet away from aerial fireworks (bottle rockets, Roman candles, etc.). While you’re heading to Atlas Fireworks to stock up on this year’s sparklers, make sure to keep firework volume and safety in mind.
Pay Attention to Your Body’s Signals
You’ve probably had times where it feels like the music or TV is too loud. It may have even felt piercing. If fireworks or parties on the Fourth of July start to sound irritating, cause you physical pain or lead to ringing in the ears, it’s time to step away. Give yourself a 10–15 minute break to prevent hearing damage.
To learn more about protecting your hearing or to schedule a hearing test, contact Massachusetts Hearing Group today for an appointment with one of our specialists.