Purdue Expert: Protecting Hearing During July Fourth Fireworks

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Jillian Hubertz is a clinical assistant professor in Purdue University's Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.In this video, she shares hearing protection tips for those enjoying fireworks on the Fourth of July. Hubertz says hearing can be damaged in just one single exposure or through prolonged exposure to loud noises over time. Fireworks can be as loud as 140-170 decibels, which far exceeds safe listening levels around 70-80 decibels. To protect yourself, Hubertz says to use ear protection and stay a safe distance from where fireworks are being set off. Hubertz suggests being at least 500 feet away, just under the length of two football fields. Some signs you may be harming your hearing include difficulty hearing someone from about 3 feet away and a ringing sound in your ears.