Keep Your Ears Happy This Fourth of July!
We all love the sparkle and excitement of fireworks - but those big booms can be tough on our ears. Here's what you need to know to enjoy the fun and protect your hearing.
How LOUD Are Fireworks?
Fireworks can blast sound up to 150–175 decibels - that’s way louder than the WHO’s safe peak limit of 140 dB for adults and 120 dB for kids.
Backyard explosions are particularly risky - at just 3 feet, they can reach around 150 dB!
What Happens to Your Ears?
Temporary threshold shift (TTS) – after a big boom, your hearing might feel muffled or full for hours or even days!
Tinnitus – that post-show ringing? Common and annoying.
Permanent hearing loss – one loud blast or repeated exposure can cause irreversible damage to the tiny hair cells in your ears.
Rare but serious – eardrum perforation is uncommon, but can happen .
Why Kids Need Extra Protection
Because children have smaller ear canals, loud sounds intensify more inside their ears - think of it like blocking the end of a hose with your thumb and turning up the pressure!
Ear Safety 101
Keep your distance: 50–65 ft for adults, 165–195 ft for kids helps reduce immediate blast effects
Use ear protection: Foam earplugs or over-ear muffs cut about 15–30 dB; layering both is even better!
Take ear breaks: Step away mid-show to give ears a recovery pause
What to Do if Something Feels Off
If your ears feel funny afterward for more than a day - such as prolonged ringing or muffled sounds - get a hearing test. A professional can tell you if it's temporary or something more lasting.
Final Thoughts
Bright sparks and booming skies don’t have to come at the cost of your hearing. With smart distancing, quality ear protection, and mindful breaks, you can savor every burst of color and preserve your ability to hear for years to come.
Enjoy your Fourth - sparkle responsibly, and salute your ears too!
References
Boystown: https://www.boystownhospital.org/knowledge-center/fireworks-hearing-loss
Healthy Hearing: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53571-Fireworks-and-hearing-damage