The Fourth of July is a day to make happy memories with your friends and family. Whether you’re barbecuing up a storm or sitting in the Bayfront Festival Park, watching the fireworks explode over the Duluth Harbor, don’t forget the importance of hearing protection.
Why Hearing Protection is Crucial on the Fourth of July
Sounds above 85 decibels can affect hearing over time, and fireworks often reach levels between 140 and 160 decibels.[1] Because of their intensity, even brief exposure to fireworks noise can damage your hearing. Luckily, you can keep hearing safety top of mind without sacrificing the explosive display.
Protecting Your Hearing
You can protect your hearing from fireworks noise with two easy steps:
- Enjoy fireworks from a safe distance. Sound is less intense when you stand farther away from its source. Watch fireworks from at least 35 feet away from ground displays and at least 150 feet away from aerial displays. With a little distance, you can enjoy a great view without damaging your hearing.
- Wear hearing protection. Hearing protection reduces the impact of loud sounds, allowing you to enjoy the excitement of fireworks without worry. Disposable foam earplugs are an affordable, convenient option available at most drugstores. If you attend a lot of concerts, sporting events or other loud activities, you may prefer reusable earplugs made from silicone, rubber or plastic.
The Fourth of July is a day filled to the brim with fun. By taking the above hearing precautionary measures, you can enjoy every moment of that fun, bolstered by the knowledge that your ears are safe.
Some people notice what’s called a temporary threshold shift—a change in their hearing—following a noisy event like a fireworks display. That shift usually goes away within a few hours or days, but you should schedule a hearing test if your symptoms don’t go away.
If you notice lasting symptoms, like muffled hearing or ringing in your ears, contact Hearing Wellness Center to schedule your hearing test.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2025). Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss