How Loud Are Fireworks?

June 29, 2015

Fireworks are a favourite tradition of Canada Day (and the Calgary Stampede) here in Calgary. They are a feast for the visual senses, full of sparkle, colour, and a whole lot of ‘WOW’! Unfortunately, what is a treat for the eyes can be punishment for your ears, causing tinnitus and temporary and permanent hearing loss.

Fireworks are really loud, putting out as much as 150 - 175 dB. To put this into perspective, the World Health Organization recommends that you not be exposed to more than 140 dB of sound, and even then you should have some hearing protection as physical pain begins at 125 dB. A jet engine is about 140 dB, so fireworks can do some serious damage to your hearing!

 

 

To reduce the risk of hearing loss that can be caused by Canada Day fireworks, try to increase the distance between yourself and the source of the noise. The greater the distance between you and the fireworks, the lower the decibel level. You should be at least 100 metres away from the fireworks to ensure the safety of your hearing, though you may still experience some minor hearing loss or tinnitus. You should also take into account the noise of the crowd; sometimes the greatest noises comes from the squeals of delight and excitement beside you, rather than the fireworks themselves.

While hearing protection is strongly recommended for adults, it’s really a must for children. A child’s hearing is more sensitive than that of an adult and beyond scaring kids, fireworks can cause physical pain in infants. Get a pair of quality, hearing protection headphones; you will be able to use them for everything from sports games to concerts, so they are a good investment. If you aren’t able to locate headphones in time, make sure that your child is wearing earplugs.

 

via Giphy.com

 

Calgary’s Canada Day Fireworks presented by Hudson’s Bay

Take in the stunning Calgary skyline while fireworks sparkle over the Bow River Valley for Canada’s 148th birthday!

Location: Centre Street Bridge - Great viewing spots include:

• Sien Lok Park

• Riverfront Avenue

• Festival Market (between the YMCA and Eau Claire market)

• Tom Campbell’s Hill Park

• Nose Hill Park

• Max Bell Centre

• Valleyview Park West Ridge at 26 St. SE

Time: 10:45 - 11:45 PM

Radio: Fireworks will be synchronized to music broadcast on 101.5 Kool FM and 95.3 The Peak

Fireworks Shuttle: Pay parking is available at SAIT and a free fireworks shuttle will run between SAIT and McHugh Bluff Park from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. To avoid the pay parking, you can take the CTrain to SAIT and catch the shuttle.

We hope you have a great time taking in the Canada Day celebrations in Calgary this week! If you do experience any hearing loss or pain, please give our team a call and we will arrange an appointment at Academy Hearing Centres.