Fireworks are often the first thing to come into your head when you think about Diwali. But hearing loss is an issue regardless of whether you’re attending fireworks shows that are professionally staged or lighting your own fireworks. These thumping fireworks could be up to 175 decibels (dB) or higher (sound that is higher than 150 decibels has the possibility of causing serious health problems). Therefore, we’re providing the top tips to safeguard your ears from the noise that can be heard during Diwali.
How noise pollution during Diwali can affect ears?
It is recommended that the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a maximum decibel that is 140 for adult and 120 for kids for fireworks. Although sound over 150 decibels is dangerous, any sound higher than 170-200 could cause fatal issues such as pulmonary embolisms or ruptured lung tissue. The ear canal of infants is considerably smaller than an older adult’s or child’s. Thus, the pressure of sound entering the ear is more intense. Children, in particular, should not be exposed to fireworks in any way. Children can hear sounds that are up to 20 decibels more loud than be an adult. Also, during Diwali fireworks that explode can cause damage to your ears.
What can you do to ensure that your hearing is exposed extreme sound and thus require care?
Make sure you take precautions to protect your hearing throughout Diwali due to the fact that exposure to high-frequency sound could lead to the loss of hearing.
Here are some signs that indicate something is not right in your ears:
* Hearing loss/decreased or diminished
* Tinnitus
* Feeling of ear blockage
* Acute earache
The confirmation process can be carried out through Pure Tone Audiometry (a behavioral test that measures the sensitivity of hearing). The loss of sensorineural hearing is verified by audiometry tests.
How can you safeguard your ears from noise pollution?
1. A safe distance from loud sounds
Another option is to keep an appropriate distance from the fireworks display. The distance you stand from the firework’s sound could be a major factor on the decibel level and hearing protection since the less harmful the sound can be to your ears, the further away you are away from the sound. It is possible to see the fireworks clearly at a distance of about 500 feet, however the tiny hair cells will not be damaged from the loud sound.
2. Select fireworks (if they are available) with less noise
Making sure that your fireworks are less loud can not only protect your ears, it aid in maintaining good relationships with your neighbors! Each pyrotechnic is equipped with an ear-splitting noise rating. Fountains, wheels, comets or falling leaves can be all examples of more quiet fireworks. They’re not quiet but they do are more likely to crackle and whistle than creating an explosive, loud boom.
It’s best to not to burn crackers. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
3. Earplugs
Beware of fireworks, mines, or rockets. These fireworks are meant to produce as much sound as possible. Earmuffs, which are basically foam-filled cups that protect an ear, is recommended for both children and adults to reduce the noise. Earplugs with earplugs that are affordable can be found at pharmacies and drugstores and can be used by anyone.
Takeaway
Contact a hearing aid specialist if you think you suffer from hearing loss caused by noise as due to watching fireworks shows. Don’t fret, with the suggestions above, you’ll be able to keep your hearing safe from blasts to your eardrum that can prevent you from having fun during Diwali!
