July is Fireworks Safety Month! Take care to protect your hearing.
At CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), we are committed to educating all people about noise-induced hearing loss in order to help prevent it.
Hearing loss from loud noise is permanent — and most people don’t notice their hearing is damaged until it’s too late.
You can make a difference! We’ve put together a new video and social media images to help you spread the word. By sharing these on social media and beyond, you can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss during this year’s #Fireworks Safety Month!
Use these talking points to communicate with people about noise-related hearing loss:
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs if setting off firecrackers at home this 4th of July.
- If a firecracker explodes near your ear, you could experience immediate hearing damage.
- Explosive sounds like firecrackers are more hazardous to hearing than other loud noise.
- To protect your hearing, be sure to enjoy the show from a safe distance.
- Make hearing protection a family affair. Going to a #fireworks show together this summer? Everyone should wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect their hearing.
- Fireworks and other loud noises can cause hearing loss. If you notice any pain, discomfort, ringing, or buzzing in your ears, talk to your doctor.
Share steps that everyone can take to prevent noise-induced hearing loss this summer and year-round:
- Try to avoid loud noises when possible
- Stay a safe distance away from the source of loud noise.
- Use hearing protection (like earplugs or earmuffs) when you must be near loud noises
- Talk to your health care professional if you are concerned about your hearing
To learn more about noise-induced hearing loss visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss