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With the Fourth of July holiday rapidly approaching firecrackers and noisemakers abound! And so does the danger for damaged hearing! The World Health Organization recommends that adults not be exposed to more than 140 decibels of sound. For children, the recommendation is 120 decibels. The Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) recommends protecting hearing if decibels reach 85 or higher. Danger lurks for our ears during the upcoming National holiday. Fireworks can product a noise as high as 150-175 decibels and firework shows can reach 130 decibels. I've met many who have suffered from deafness or tinnitus in one ear due a firecracker exploding near by. Whether shooting fireworks in your drive-way or watching a public show, you, and your baby, could be at risk for damaging your hearing. The damage could be temporary, or permanent. Why take the chance? Audiologists report that they experience an increase in visits after the Fourth of July due to a “ringing in the ears.” The danger of harming those delicate hair cells that reside in our snail-shaped Cochlea is real. If permanently damaged, the quality of your baby’s life is seriously impacted. As Pete Townshend from the famous WHO Rock band, "Hearing loss is a terrible tragedy." A woman I know owns a roller skate shop and frequently has a booth at roller-derby events. These events are rowdy and NOISY. Having struggled with tinnitus in one of her ears for most of her adult life, she does not wish the same curse on her newborn baby boy. She invested in hearing protection earmuffs for infants. Her baby boy fussed a bit with them on, but certainly not enough to have to remove them. You can see a photo of the baby wearing the muffs on my site. Give your child, grandchild or great grandchild a chance to fully hear the world and to be able to communicate with ease as they mature. Protect a baby's hearing from July 4th Fireworks with ear protection. Two popular brands are Baby Banz Earmuffs and Em's Hearing Protection Baby Earmuffs. And, it isn't a bad idea to protect your OWN hearing by wearing ear plugs! *** Author: Linnaea Mallette Author Website: Linnaea Mallette Hearing Loss Website/Blog: Hearing Loss Tips
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July 4th, Fourth of July, July Fourth, baby, infant, hearing, loud noise, fireworks, firecrackers,
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