Fire Cracker Ear Plugs | Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus From Fireworks
1.1 Fire Cracker Ear Plugs
Fire Cracker Ear Plugs – noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus caused by fireworks.
Fireworks are an exciting visual expression of celebration. All over the world, fireworks are used to honor the events that matter most to nations, to communities, to individuals. It’s a treat to enjoy the show that a professional or backyard pyrotechnician has worked long and hard to entertain us with.
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The stunning visual show, though, comes with the danger of the sound output from the chemical reactions in the fireworks. Just like we can’t have lightning without thunder, we can’t have the colors of the fireworks without the blast after the fuse is lit.
When we think of the hazards or dangers of fireworks, the first group we think to protect is our pets. We know to make sure our companion animals are safely stowed at home on those special occasions when pyrotechnics are involved. We don’t immediately think to protect our hearing from the danger of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus caused by fireworks displays.
1.2 What are the Dangers?
At 140-160 dBA (A-weighted decibels), fireworks register as the highest decibel rated activities on the scale provided on the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders’ (NIDCD) website.
The World Health Organization reports the sound output from fireworks at 150-175 dB. Regardless of which resource you access, it’s clear that the sound produced from fireworks exceeds the recommended noise exposure of 140 dB for adults and 120 dB for children; infants should not be exposed to fireworks at all.
Exposure to fireworks without taking proper precautions can result in tinnitus; temporary or permanent hearing loss; and, rarely, in eardrum perforation. Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus caused by fireworks are preventable.
1.2.1 Wearing Fire Cracker Ear Plugs AND Protect Your Hearing?
The first line of defense is to see the show at a safe distance from where the fireworks are being set off. From 500 feet, you can see the show and not worry about the impact on your hearing from exposure to the sound pressure from the small explosions of each firework being lit.
If you’re after a better vantage point, earplugs and noise-reducing headphones are great options for reducing the effects of the intense blasts on your hearing. If you don’t have your own custom earplugs or you only need a pair for one fireworks show, foam or wax earplugs will still provide good protection. Using headphones is a better alternative to earplugs for children because earplugs may be too big to fit their smaller ear canals. Of course, if you have an infant, the best option is to sacrifice that prime seat until they’re a little older.
If you’re a backyard pyrotechnician putting on a display for family and friends, quieter fireworks are available. Fireworks providers can educate you on which fireworks are amazing to watch without the hazard of a loud bang with each detonation. This doesn’t mean that the quieter fireworks are completely silent: the crackles and whistles of these fireworks may not create the boom that we automatically imagine and remember, but they still create a sound that we need to protect our hearing from.
1.2.2 Getting The right Fire Cracker Hearing Protection
Regardless of which fireworks you choose to dazzle your audience with, as the person closest to the action, you should definitely set the example for your audience and protect your hearing using earplugs or noise-reducing headphones.
Fireworks are the exclamation point at the end of a long and exciting day of celebration. You’ve protected yourself with sunscreen throughout the day against burning, worn a lifejacket on the boat in case you fall in and forget how to swim, kept your baseball cap or straw hat on to protect against sunstroke.
As the sun goes down and the show’s about to start, it’s time to put in your Fire Cracker Ear Plugs or pop on your headphones to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus caused by fireworks.
Resources:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss
https://www.hear-it.org/fireworks-can-lead-hearing-loss
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52478-How-to-protect-your-hearing-this-fourth-of-july
How To choose the right hearing protection
Fire Cracker Ear Plugs noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus caused by fireworks.