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Hearing experts warn about fireworks
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Hearing experts warn about fireworks
Hearing experts warn about fireworks
The bombs bursting in air on July 4th don't just unsettle your pets. KPCC's Susan Valot says audio experts warn that fireworks could ruin your hearing.
Hearing professionals say any noise above 85 decibels can hurt humans’ ability to hear. Firecracker noise is well past that level. Big fireworks shows can be really noisy, too, especially if you're right under the action. The Better Hearing Institute, a non-profit that educates about hearing loss, says the single bang of a firecracker or a loud firework has the potential to permanently damage your hearing in an instant.
The group suggests watching fireworks displays from a safe, and quieter, distance. If you must be close to the display, hearing-loss experts suggest that you wear ear plugs to block some of the noise. Those experts say more than 10 million Americans exposed to loud noise live with irreversible hearing damage.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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