Taking children to watch fireworks display seems fun but it may also be very harmful. According to experts from the Purdue University, a large acoustic event wherein there is a loud noise at one time can possibly result in hearing loss. This risk of hearing loss seems to be decreased by simply making children wear earplugs during a fireworks show.
They also highlighted that wearing earplugs not only decreases the risk but also weakens the sound of fireworks that often frightens children. Exposure to noise like concerts, power tools, guns and fireworks may contribute to permanent hearing loss. The investigators mentioned that although everybody is prone to noise-induced hearing loss, children apparently share a higher risk.
Jennifer Simpson, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and director of the Audiology Clinic suggested, “Monitor your children’s volume on any kind of MP3 player device, and make sure that it isn’t too loud. The longer you wear something that’s loud, the more damage it can cause. So you want to turn down the volume and shorten the time you listen to music.”
Ear infections are also considered to be a common cause of hearing loss in children. But this loss is generally temporary. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders informed that ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children with three out of four undergoing ear infection by the age of 3.
The scientists informed that primary care should be immediately provided to children with ear infection. Once the infection is treated an absence of fluid may be noted in the ear and the child’s hearing should be back to normal.