How to protect your hearing from fireworks - and start the new year safely
Protect yourself. Love you.
New Year's Eve is loud, colourful and emotional. This is exactly what makes the night so special, but it can also be dangerous for our hearing. Fireworks reach extreme sound pressure levels, which can lead to permanent damage even with a single bang. Many underestimate this risk. Our hearing is sensitive and damage is often irreversible.
To ensure that you start the new year well protected, you will find the most important facts and recommendations here - understandable, practical and safety-conscious.
Why fireworks put a lot of strain on the hearing
From about 85 dB, the risk of hearing damage increases with prolonged exposure. Fireworks, however, are far above that. Firecrackers and rockets reach values of 130 to 150 dB and can cause critical damage even with a single impact.
- 120 dB: Pain threshold
- from 140 dB: Risk of bang trauma
- 130–150 dB: typical volume of fireworks
Firecrackers ignited too close can damage the inner ear, injure the eardrum or lead to permanent ringing in the ears. Children who are less able to assess volume and whose hearing is more sensitive are particularly at risk.
How to protect your hearing on New Year's Eve
Effective protection starts with the right hearing protection. Earplugs or high-quality earmuffs are suitable for adults. Children should always wear earmuffs so that nothing slips.
You can find suitable models here:
Hearing protection with Omniprotect
Other protective measures:
- Keep your distance: 20-30 meters distance significantly reduces noise pollution.
- Educate children: They should know why fireworks can be dangerous and why hearing protection is important.
- Emergency solution without hearing protection: Cover your ears with your hands and use a hood or cap for cushioning.
Alternatives to loud fireworks
Many municipalities are already relying on quieter alternatives such as laser shows, LED effects or "silent fireworks". These offer atmospheric moments without extreme volume - good for animals, the environment and your hearing.
When it whistles in your ear after the fireworks
A whistling, hissing or muffled hearing after a bang can indicate tinnitus, hearing loss or bang trauma. Now the following applies:
- Peace and quiet and no further noise pollution
- No pressure, no cotton swabs
- See an ENT doctor as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours)
The sooner the treatment is given, the better the chances of full recovery.
Conclusion – Protect yourself. Love you.
New Year's Eve is a special moment. But no fireworks are worth permanently endangering your hearing. Wear hearing protection, keep your distance, educate children and start the new year with healthy hearing.