Hear the Joy of the Holidays Tips for Protecting Your Hearing During Festive Celebrations

Bang! Boom! Whoosh-!

The sounds of nostalgia, so familiar, instantly reminds us that joys of a reunion are near. Regardless of the different festivities that our multicultural society celebrates, the sounds of fireworks and loud music serves as significant indicators of the beginning of these occasions. Families and friends would gather in homes, parks or malls to celebrate the time spent together. These reunions are often filled with laughter, delicious food and of course, loud music blasting from speakers. Sometimes, it can be difficult to avoid these sounds, even if you wanted to. The loud music and ambiance have long embedded themselves into our lives. However, there’s an important aspect of these celebrations that is often overlooked: the strain on our ears and the risk of hearing loss.

Now, before you argue that your ears are still young and strong, it’s essential to know that hearing loss doesn’t only affect the elderly—it can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Yes, even you, the reader, reading this right now. So, how can one be present and enjoy the festivities while protecting your hearing? Well, strap in, because here are some tips to help you stay safe and still have fun:

Tip #1: Use hearing protection devices

This tip may sound simple, but it may surprise you how it’s rarely practiced. Hearing protection devices such as foam earplugs are easy to use and readily available at your local pharmacies. They are an affordable option that can effectively reduce the noise levels and shield your ears without breaking your bank. Alternatively, if you’re in a crunch, an ad-hoc method of pressing down on the tragus of your ears is an effective way to protect them, although it’s not the best option, but some protection is better than none.

However, if you are willing to invest a little more into your hearing protection, you may consider looking into high-fidelity or custom-made earplugs. These earplugs are specifically designed to allow you to still enjoy the music without compromising your hearing. Your local audiologist can take molds of your ears to create a custom perfect fit that ensures your comfort for long-term usage.

Tip #2: Take hearing breaks

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the music seemed to be getting more and more overwhelming, even though the volume stayed the same? That’s a clear indication that your ears are getting tired and need a break from the constant noise. Just as we take breaks to rest our eyes after looking at a screen for too long, it’s essential to rest our ears as well.

At that moment, try to locate a quieter area of the festival where you can step out for a few minutes. It doesn’t have to be a long break; even just five minutes of peace and quiet can do wonders for the immense strain on your ears. Don’t worry—taking a short pause won’t make you a killjoy.

Tip #3: Be mindful of your surroundings

One of the simplest ways to protect your hearing is by being aware of your surroundings. Locate and identify where loud noise is likely to come from. For instance, speakers or firecrackers. Once you’ve located these sources, try to keep a safe distance from them!

The further you are from the speakers, the less intense the sound will be when they reach your ears. It’s a simple concept: the lesser the intensity, the lesser the damages to your ears. This can be especially important during festive celebrations where the volume may be cranked up to dangerous levels that can harm your ears over time.

Tip #4: Know the signs of hearing damage

While it is important to take precautions, it is also essential to recognize when something’s not right. If you start feeling off or notice ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after attending a festive celebration, it’s worth taking a step back and reassess the situation. Tinnitus is known to be an early warning sign of potential hearing damage.

In such cases, it’s a good idea to visit your local audiologist to assess your hearing and determine if any damage has been done. The audiologist can conduct tests and provide advice on how to prevent further damage as well as protect your hearing moving forward.

All in all, festivities are meant to be a time for laughter, joy and connection. There’s no need overwhelm yourself with worries about the future when you can start practising good hearing health precautions. By following these tips—using hearing protection, taking breaks, being aware of your surroundings and knowing the signs of damaged hearing—you can ensure that your ears stay safe while still experiencing the full excitement of the event. So go ahead, dance to the music, watch the fireworks and celebrate with your loved ones. Just remember to always “hear” safely!

Xue Yi, Clinical Audiologist at 20dB Hearing Kepong