Summer is filled with moments that bring people together: festivals, concerts, sporting events, and fireworks displays. While these experiences create lasting memories, they can also pose a serious risk to your hearing health if you’re not careful. Fireworks and other loud summer sounds may be thrilling, but they can also cause lasting damage to your ears.
Here’s what you need to know about noise exposure and how to protect your hearing this season.
Everyday noise is louder than you think
Loud noise is everywhere, not just at fireworks shows. From city traffic and emergency sirens to packed stadiums and high-volume music, we’re constantly surrounded by sound. While some of this noise may seem harmless, repeated or prolonged exposure can have serious consequences.
Summer activities, in particular, can pose heightened risks. Fireworks are a major source of dangerous noise levels, especially for young children. Without the right protection, you or your family could experience:
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Temporary hearing loss
- Perforated eardrum
- Permanent hearing damage from repeated exposure
Some people assume they’ve simply “gotten used to” loud sounds over time. In reality, they may already be experiencing undiagnosed hearing loss.
Best ways to protect your ears and hearing health
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable, but it’s also permanent. Once your hearing is damaged, there’s no way to reverse it. The louder the noise and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.
Here are some practical steps you can take to protect your hearing and your family’s:
1. Use proper hearing protection
- For young children, earmuffs are the safest option. These fit over the ears and block out harmful noise.
- For adults, foam earplugs are a convenient and effective choice. They’re easy to find online or at any pharmacy and can significantly reduce sound levels reaching the inner ear.
2. Keep a safe distance
Staying at least 500 feet away from the source of loud noise, such as fireworks, can drastically reduce your risk of hearing damage. This is especially important for young children and babies, who should never be exposed to loud noises directly.
3. Limit exposure time
Even moderate noise can become harmful if you’re exposed to it for too long. Take breaks from noisy environments and give your ears time to recover.
Enjoy the season without sacrificing your hearing
You don’t have to skip fireworks shows or summer concerts, but you do need to be smart about your hearing health. With a few simple precautions, you and your loved ones can enjoy all the sounds of summer without the risk.
If you think you or someone in your family may have experienced hearing damage, don’t wait. Find a hearing specialist near you to schedule a hearing evaluation and personalized care plan.
