fireworks with silhouetted people and American flags in Tonawanda, NY

Fireworks and Hearing Loss: Is There A Connection?

If you are planning to celebrate this 4th of July by watching a firework show or by using your own fireworks, be aware of your hearing.

We all know how loud fireworks can be, especially if you are sitting directly under a firework show or shooting them in your backyard. But did you know that fireworks can damage your hearing? The sound produced by fireworks can reach 145-170 decibels.

How Is Sound Measured?

Sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. On the decibel scale, the level increase of 10 means that a sound is actually 10 times more intense or powerful.

For adults, any sound that is over 85 decibels can be harmful to your hearing when exposed to it on a regular basis. For loud impulse sounds, the human ear can hear up to 120 decibels before damage can occur to the hearing nerve.

Fireworks create an impulse sound so loud that it reaches 145 to 170 decibels! That is nearly double the threshold of sound that the human ear can hear safely. Because fireworks are so loud, it’s important to protect your hearing whenever you are watching or shooting fireworks.

How Can I Keep My Hearing Safe?

The best way to keep your hearing safe this summer is to wear custom hearing protection whenever you are exposed to loud sounds, such as fireworks. Custom hearing protection such as earplugs will keep your ears safe and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. We can create custom fit earplugs taken from earmolds of the exact shape of your ear, so you can be assured that your earplugs will offer the most protection.

If you are watching a firework show with your family or friends another way to protect your hearing is to distance yourself from the fireworks. The farther away you are, the less impact the sound will have on your hearing.

Contact Us Today

Although fireworks can be harmful to your hearing, there are ways you can still enjoy them without damaging your hearing. Call us today to schedule an appointment for custom fit hearing protection. We will take a mold of your ear and create custom fit earplugs so you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities while protecting your hearing.