Jamestown (CSi) As Americans prepare for the Independence Day holiday, the American Speech Language & Hearing Association is encouraging the public to incorporate hearing protection into their celebrations. This is especially important for people who opt for smaller gatherings at home that may include fireworks or firecrackers.   

While noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, once it occurs, it is irreversible, and it can happen in an instant.   Audiologists with the ASHA are available on Friday, July 1st from 7am -12pm ET and will be providing the following tips to celebrate safely.   

Tips for Celebrating Safely this July 4th . Public can take Simple Steps to Avoid Permanent Hearing Damage from Fireworks and Firecrackers   As Americans prepare for a much-anticipated Independence Day holiday, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is encouraging the public to incorporate hearing protection into their celebrations. This is especially important for people who are celebrating at home or at a public fireworks display. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is completely preventable. However, once it occurs, it is irreversible. Exposure to noisy leisure activities is among the chief culprits of NIHL in young adults, according to the World Health Organization—which states that 1.1 billion people ages 12–35 worldwide are at risk. Hearing damage from noise exposure can occur at any age.

A single loud blast or explosion that lasts less than 1 second can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss. This noise, called impulse noise or impact noise, can come from fireworks. Impulse noise is measured in decibel peak pressure, or dBP. Impulse noise greater than 140 dBP will instantly hurt a person’s hearing. Fireworks at 3 feet, as well as firecrackers, can measure 150 dBP. This is considered painful to the ears—and it is well beyond a safe listening level of 75–80 decibels.   

Audiologists with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) are available on Friday, July 1st from 7am -12pm ET and will be providing the following tips to celebrate safely:

1.   Use hearing protection. Basic earplugs, which can be picked up at most drug stores, offer surprisingly good hearing protection for most teens and adults. Children are generally better off using well-fitting earmuffs over earplugs.

2.   Keep your distance. Stand at least 500 feet away from noise sources, such as speakers, a stage, or a fireworks launch site. The closer you are, the more likely you are to hurt your ears. 3.   Know your limits. If you (or anyone in your party) are experiencing ringing in your ears or any other ear discomfort, leave. Listen to your body!   About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 223,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.

Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems, including swallowing disorders.