Ooohhh Aaaahhh

Fireworks are an American tradition for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. I bet you’ve watched them every year since you were a kid, enjoying the bright colors and loud pops. I have always liked the loud noises and the rumble in makes in my stomach, especially during the grand finale.

Until recently, I had never thought of the impact that the fireworks could have on my hearing much less a child’s, with their tiny ears. After prolonged exposure to loud noises over 85 decibels (dB) such as fireworks, a child or adult could experience a ringing in the ears or even permanent hearing loss.

This type of hearing loss is called “noise-induced hearing loss.” Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells located in the inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.

Here is a chart to give you an idea of the decibel level of every day items:

• 60 dB – normal conversations or dishwashers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, electric shaver
• 90 dB – hair dryers, blenders and busy traffic
• 110 dB – concerts, car racing, and sporting events
• 115 dB – MP3 players at full volume
• 120 dB – thunder
• 130 dB – ambulances
• 140 dB – firecrackers, fireworks, and gun shots

Ways to protect your family’s hearing:

• Limit exposure
• Distance yourself from the source of the noise
• Turn down the volume
• Wear proper hearing protection such as noise reducing ear muffs or ear plugs when in noisy environments

Please remember that noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and is almost always preventable. So, as you plan for your 4th of July festivities, pack some ear plugs and get there early to find a seat…in the back.