How to protect your hearing while watching fireworks

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — As you’re watching fireworks go up in the sky for the holidays, Intermountain Health said it’s important to remember to include hearing protection in your celebrations.

Intermountain Health reports that one of the most common injuries associated with fireworks is hearing loss, as fireworks can create sounds as loud as 150 decibels, which is enough to cause permanent damage.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association , a single loud blast or explosion that lasts less than one second can cause hearing loss. That noise includes fireworks, but with the right steps, this loss can be preventable.

“Hearing loss can affect anyone, regardless of age or prior hearing condition, said Omar Juarez, AuD, an audiologist at Intermountain Cottonwood Audiology on the TOSH campus. “Therefore, it is important to protect your hearing while enjoying fireworks, whether at home or at a public show.”

Intermountain Health shared some tips for people to keep in mind to still enjoy fireworks, but while also keeping protecting their ears.

Hearing safety tips:

• Wear earplugs or earmuffs that are designed to block out loud noises. Make sure they fit well and cover your ears completely.
• Keep a safe distance from the source of the fireworks. The farther away you are, the less noise you will be exposed to.
• Limit the duration of your exposure to fireworks. Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure to loud sounds, as they can add up and cause more damage over time.
• If you experience ringing in your ears, pain, or difficulty hearing after fireworks, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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