Celebrating the new year with a bang - but at what cost to our hearing?

2010-12-23, Zug/Stäfa, Switzerland

The loudest fireworks reach dangerous noise levels of more than 140 dB (decibels) – the same level as a jet engine on take-off, according to Hear the World, an international health campaign.

Each firework was lit twice and their maximum noise level (without benchmark filters*) was measured as they were set off. A distance of one meter was maintained between each firework and the sound level meter. Hear the World, a global initiative set up by the leading hearing instrument manufacturer Phonak, conducted the tests to assess the risk posed to our hearing during firework displays. With the average pain threshold for the human ear marked at 120 dB, the loudest fireworks can lead to lasting hearing damage, tinnitus or acoustic trauma.

Top tips to protect your hearing
Remember, prevention is better than cure. It is therefore good practice to protect yourself from loud and direct noise exposure during New Year celebrations.

- It is advisable to wear earplugs during all firework displays

- Try to keep at a sufficient distance, at least ten metres, from the source of the noise. Parents in particular should not allow their children to handle fireworks which may seem harmless, such as firecrackers, without supervision

- If you experience symptoms such as a feeling of pressure in the ear, a muffled hearing sensation or a persistent ringing in the ears, it is imperative that you give your hearing a chance to rest, drink plenty of fluids and go and see an ENT doctor as soon as possible