Protect Your Ears this Fourth of July!

Victoria Gestner works with Midwest ENT Consultants, who are ear, nose and throat doctors with offices in various locations, including Plainfield. She wrote this in conjunction with Dr. Lauren O'Flaherty, an audiologist with Midwest ENT Consultants.

Whether you’re heading down to Navy Pier for its impressive skyline show or enjoying the display at the conclusion of Naperville’s Rib Fest, fireworks are a major component to any Fourth of July celebration. When it comes to these colorful explosives, safety extends not only to the folks lighting off the fireworks, but also to those watching the display. 

The loud CRACKS and BOOMS you hear during a fireworks show average 140 decibels – well beyond the safe hearing level of 85 decibels! It may take only one exposure to loud sounds (that’s right, just one firework!) to cause enough damage for permanent hearing loss. You may notice hearing loss instantly, or it could develop over time.  

Here’s what you might not know about how fireworks affects your hearing:

• What happens? Loud explosions from fireworks can overstimulated tiny hair cells in your inner ear. As a result, they become damaged or even die, causing hearing loss.
• Who’s at risk? While anyone watching fireworks can be at risk for hearing loss, the people most likely affected are individuals closest to the fireworks – the ones setting them off.
• What are symptoms? You may experience ringing and a plugged or muffled sensation that could last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. Generally, it will resolve on its own, but if symptoms persist for more than a month, the damage is likely permanent.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent hearing loss while celebrating on the Fourth of July:

• Protect your ears: Purchase earplugs at a local drug store or get fitted for your own pair of custom ear plugs. For infants and young children, cover their ears to protect their hearing. This may even help lessen their fear of the loud noises!
• Keep back: The great thing about fireworks is that there are plenty of good seats for viewing! Position yourself and your family far back from where they are being lit – you’ll still see the display while lessoning your risk of hearing damage.
• See an audiologist. If hearing damage symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with an audiologist for evaluation.

Fore more information, please visit www.midwesthearingconsultants.com.