Noise from fireworks can injure children’s ears

A Fourth of July celebration would be incomplete without the sights and sounds of fireworks going off in the summer night’s sky. However, health officials say that children could experience noise-related injuries if not cautious.

“Fireworks are extremely loud and can be harmful to a child’s ears,” says Dr. Steven Barkley, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer for Cottage Children’s Medical Center.

The World Health Organization advises that children should not be exposed to sounds that exceed 140 decibels (dB). Fireworks can range from as low as 130 dB and as high as 190 dB. To put that into perspective, the sound of a jet taking off from a distance of about 300 feet is about 125 dB, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Barkley says that although many noise-related injuries are temporary, some are permanent and without treatment options to restore hearing.

“Exposure to loud sounds over time can have a cumulative and permanent effect on hearing, so protect your children’s ears now to keep them hearing in the future,” said Barkley.

Cottage Hospital suggests for children enjoying the fireworks to sit at least 500 feet away from where the fireworks are being launched from. Noise-reduction earplugs and headphones can also be useful.