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How Can You Protect Your Kids’ Hearing at Games and Fireworks?

The easiest way to protect a child’s hearing at a ball game, fireworks show or concert is to put hearing protection on before the noise starts, keep some distance from the loudest spots, and take quiet breaks. For babies and young children, earmuffs are usually the simplest choice. For older kids, soft earplugs that fit their ears well, including custom ones made from impressions, can stay comfortable all evening.

Quick answer

  • How loud: the NIDCD lists sporting events and concerts at about 94–110 dBA and fireworks shows at 140–160 dBA.
  • Little ones: earmuffs are easier to use correctly for young children, according to the NIDCD.
  • Older kids: well-fitting earplugs work well. Custom plugs are made from impressions of your child’s own ears.
  • Also helps: sitting farther from speakers and launch sites, and taking quiet breaks.
  • See a doctor for ear pain, ear tubes, recent ear surgery, or ringing that is new or getting worse.

How loud do games, concerts and fireworks get?

Louder than most of us guess. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) publishes average levels for everyday sounds, and family outings sit near the top of the list.

Sound Average level (NIDCD)
Normal conversation 60–70 dBA
Movie theater 74–104 dBA
Sporting events and concerts 94–110 dBA
Sirens 110–129 dBA
Fireworks show 140–160 dBA

For context, the NIDCD says sounds at or below 70 dBA are unlikely to cause hearing loss, while long or repeated exposure at or above 85 dBA can. A packed stadium or a fireworks finale is well past that line.

Can loud noise really affect a child’s hearing?

Yes. The NIDCD notes that noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age, children and teens included. It also reports that as many as 17 percent of teens aged 12 to 19 have hearing test results suggestive of noise damage.

Time matters as much as volume. On its Protect Your Child’s Hearing page, the NIDCD explains that very loud sounds can damage hearing in less than 15 minutes, and that hearing loss may not be noticeable at first.

The bigger picture is worth knowing too. The World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss from unsafe listening. Good habits that start at a ball game tend to stick.

Earmuffs or earplugs: which is better for kids?

It depends mostly on age. The NIDCD’s hearing protectors guide says earmuffs are easier to use correctly, especially for young children, and that child sizes are available. It also points out that ready-made earplugs can be hard to find in sizes that fit kids.

Earplugs come into their own as children get older. They’re small, they don’t get knocked off by a hat or a hood, and they stay comfortable in warm weather. The NIDCD’s advice is simple: a parent should help young children put earplugs in, and earplugs should never be forced into the ear.

For very noisy places, the NIDCD notes that earplugs and earmuffs worn together reduce sound further. It also reminds parents that a higher Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) isn’t always better, since kids still need to hear you.

Option Best for Good to know
Child-size earmuffs Babies, toddlers, young kids Easy to put on and check at a glance; can be bulky under hats
Ready-made earplugs A backup in the bag Fit varies, and small sizes can be hard to find
Custom solid earplugs (Full Stop Super-Soft) Older kids at games, races and fireworks Made from impressions of your child’s ears; NRR 32 dB
Custom filtered earplugs (The One) Teens in band, drumline or at concerts Interchangeable filters; NRR 25 dB with one filter installed
Earmuffs over earplugs Fireworks finales and the very loudest moments The NIDCD notes that doubling up reduces sound further

Why do custom earplugs suit older kids so well?

Because every ear is a little different, and children’s ears are no exception. Research from NIOSH shows that the protection people actually get varies with the size and shape of the ear canal. A plug made from an impression of your child’s own ear doesn’t have to be squeezed or rolled to fit.

Comfort is the other half. NIOSH’s guide to hearing protection explains that comfort is a key reason people keep protection in, and it describes custom-molded earplugs as devices made from an impression of the wearer’s ear. A plug that feels good is a plug that is still in at the fourth quarter.

And yes, the fun part counts. Letting your child pick a favorite color or swirl can make putting them in feel a lot less like a chore.

How does Big Ear make earplugs for kids?

Our Full Stop Super-Soft is the pair we usually suggest for children. It’s made from platinum-cure silicone at Shore A 25, so it feels soft in small ears. It’s hypoallergenic and antibacterial, it has an NRR of 32 dB, and it comes in any color or swirl your child dreams up. It’s $168.95 a pair, made for adults and children alike.

For a teen in marching band or drumline, The One is worth a look. Every pair has a two-part, analog, non-electronic filter system: a non-linear filter in the canal plus an interchangeable flat filter of 9, 15, 20, 25 or 30 dB on the outside. We suggest 25 or 30 dB for marching band. Kits start at $224.95.

Here’s how getting a pair works:

  • Your order includes a free Home Impression Kit. It ships in 2–3 business days, and return postage is paid.
  • With a guided video and a helper (that’s you), impressions take about 10–15 minutes at home. If an impression can’t be used, we send a second kit free.
  • If your child is very young or wiggly, an audiologist can take the impressions instead. Their fee, typically $80–100, is billed by them, and we charge nothing extra.
  • We hand-build every pair in the USA. Allow 40 business days from the day impressions reach our lab, so order well before fireworks season or the next tournament.
  • Every pair has our 30-Day Fit Warranty and a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Loss isn’t covered, so a bright color and a case in the bag are a smart idea.

Before taking impressions, check with your child’s doctor if they have ear tubes, ear pain, or have had recent ear surgery.

What else helps protect kids’ ears on game night?

Hearing protection does the heavy lifting, but a few habits help it along. The NIDCD suggests moving away from noise when you can and keeping hearing protection within reach.

  • Put protection on before the first whistle, the opening song or the first rocket, not halfway through.
  • Choose seats away from speaker stacks, and watch fireworks from farther back.
  • Step out to the concourse or the car for a few quiet minutes during long events.
  • Keep plugs in a case clipped to the bag so they come home again.
  • Wear yours too. It’s the easiest way to show how it’s done.

If you’re curious how loud your own spot is, our friendly guide to decibels walks through the numbers.

When should you check with a doctor or audiologist?

We make hearing protection, so we always point medical questions to the experts. If your child has ringing in the ears that is new or getting worse, sounds muffled after an event and it doesn’t clear, ear pain, ear tubes, or has had recent ear surgery, see a doctor or audiologist. The NIDCD also runs an information line at (800) 241-1044.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a child wear custom earplugs?

There isn’t a single right age. Earmuffs are often easiest for little ones. Once a child is happy to wear earplugs and can sit still for impressions, custom plugs are an option. Give us a call and we’ll talk it through.

What happens when my child’s ears grow?

We keep impressions on file for up to ten years. If a pair starts to feel loose or uncomfortable as your child grows, call us and we’ll help you decide whether a fresh set of impressions makes sense.

Are foam earplugs okay for kids?

They’re a handy backup, and the NIDCD lists them among common protectors. Small sizes can be hard to find, though, and a parent should help young children put them in.

Which is better for fireworks, earplugs or earmuffs?

For the loudest shows, the NIDCD notes that earplugs and earmuffs worn together reduce sound further. Distance from the launch site helps a lot as well.

Ready to get your family protected?

Start with a free Home Impression Kit, or use Find my pair to match protection to your family’s favorite outings. Shipping is $10 per order. Prefer to talk to a person? Call us at (719) 271-4528 and we’ll happily help you pick.

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