Independence Day — Fourth of July — Fireworks, Tinnitus and Hearing Damage

I'm dreading this time.

I used to love going out and seeing fireworks last year with my family but this year they scare the living light out of me.

2 days ago my next door neighbor was setting off fireworks near my house and they were loud, really loud.

I thought at first someone was getting shot.

I decided to go spend 3 nights in a hotel in my city to get away. It is not cheap. It is $179 a night but I have to do this in order to protect my ears.

 

Wearing ear plugs to a 4th of July display should be plenty of protection, I would think.

 

Happy fourth to everyone! Anyone got plans for today? I'm having a party with no fireworks just sparklers and smoke bombs that don't go boom! Protect your ears, Safety first! --- I'm wondering how many people will be coming onto here in the upcoming days complaining about getting tinnitus from the 4th...

 

Hey Grace, happy Fourth! I am going to the beach, as usual, for the big celebration with friends (if I doesn't rain). I am taking ear plugs AND ear muffs, and staying a couple blocks away. But I still will be able to see the night sky light up.

Be safe, all, but have fun!

 

Well... it's the 4th of July (Independence Day) here and already the fireworks had begun two previous nights. Tonight I will be sure to have my protection nearby to ward off all the unwanted loud booms and bangs. I won't be going out in the street, of course, but I do live on the ground floor so some of the M-40's create such a loud BOOOM that it can clearly be heard even in my apartment. Even the regular fireworks - which have been outlawed - are prevalent on this day and must be avoided at all costs. So many people are not aware of the consequences and misery which can result from the detonation of these right near them. Unfortunately, only later on do they realize the damage which has been done.

What always surprises me since I got tinnitus is the amount of people who work with sandblasters and jackhammers who wear no protective ear gear. I suppose no one really thinks much about tinnitus as they do about other maladies. I wish there were public service announcements warning of the myriad of harsh and dangerous sounds which can have a profound affect on peoples' lives. Then again, I suppose since there are numerous contributing factors which lead to tinnitus, even these announcements could not possibly cover all.
I believe I got tinnitus from a sinus infection or rather, extreme stress at a certain point in my life. I do feel that when our emotions reach a point of sensory overload, this can greatly affect our ears as well as any other part of our body and wreak havoc.

I'll be sure to have my musician's earplugs and my Clear Armor Professional Ear Muffs handy for this evening.

Happy 4th of July to those who live in the United States!

 

It might be a good idea to be wearing earplugs tonight.

 

@Bobbie7 I know, it's crazy around here with the noise this time of year. I wore my earplugs when I went on a walk with my husband earlier this evening and also when we were hanging around on the deck. Because you never know who is going to set what off! We just watched the major fireworks celebration from my city's downtown on TV, but as I sit here there are loud booms going on outside. I guess some local fireworks. Happy 4th!!

 

I am watching the Macy's fireworks show right now and it is spectacular!!! It is the best show ever and the entertainment is very enjoyable as well. I am sure glad we are safe and sound this evening as the fireworks here are continuing and probably will throughout the night. Definitely not a night for those with tinnitus. Happy 4th to you too!

 

Well, the local cherry bombs etc. have driven me indoors, earplugs, whimpering in the corner for the evening. About 5 hours more of intermittent explosions, with the peak about 4 hours from now.

I have something interesting, though. This came over my Flipboard today: https://www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/hyperacusis-hearing-that-is-too-good-2/

I'm not sure why it's in that particular paper, but it seems like positive exposure.
Barbara

 

Yep, same here. So far it hasn't been as bad as last year. Ground fireworks around in the neighborhood are one thing, but last year I had a neighbor setting off illegal areal fireworks directly over my house. Those were LOUD.

The worst thing about the 4th isn't the night itself, but never knowing when fireworks are going to go off in the next few days.

 

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!! Keep your ears safe.

 

I am in a hotel as well for the same reason!!

 

Well I’m sitting in my basement, all good here. Loudest one from inside was maybe 60-80 dB, so that’s not loud at all

 

Is that 80 decibels max for a firework (I was sitting inside) anything I should worry about? I doubt it, as literally doing dishes can be louder than that.