It’s almost Independence Day! For many, July 4th holiday celebrations will include barbeques, parades and, of course, fireworks. Don’t forget about protecting your ears! Before you enjoy the show, follow these safety tips to protect your hearing from the loud blasts of fireworks. 

• Keep your Distance: Adults should be at least 22 yards away from the fireworks and children should stay 65 yards away. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, firework blasts can be up to 150 decibels when in the immediate vicinity. Safe listening levels are those below 85 decibels! 

• Take Care with Infants: Although fireworks are best enjoyed in the company of a family, the noise can be damaging to tiny ears. Infants should not be exposed to the sound of fireworks. Hearing loss can negatively affect brain and language development!

• Don’t Forget the Earplugs: 1 in 5 Americans are affected by hearing loss, and exposure to loud noises, like the sound of fireworks, is a major cause. Use earplugs or noise filters to maximize your hearing protection as some loud noises can damage the ears and cause permanent hearing loss. 

• Watch for Damage: If you suspect hearing damage, see your hearing care professional for a hearing test as soon as possible!