Enjoy the Sparkle: Protect Your Eyes and Ears this Fourth of July

Each year, many cases of severe eyesight damage and hearing loss occur during one of the most celebrated weekends of the year – the Fourth of July.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate with your family and friends, but it is also important to prioritize safety. Taking some simple precautions to protect your eyes and ears can help prevent serious injuries and ensure everyone enjoys the holiday. Whether you are watching a fireworks display or participating in the festivities, staying aware and practicing safe habits can make all the difference.

Fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions, and retinal detachments – all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. Children are at a particularly high risk.

According to Prevent Blindness, an organization founded to prevent blindness and preserve sight, here are a few ways you can keep your child safe:

• Do not rub the eye.
• Do not attempt to rinse the eye with water.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye.
• Do not delay seeking emergency medical care to stop for medication.
• Do not apply ointments or other medications to the eye.

The potential for hearing damage is determined not only by the loudness level (in decibels) of the sound but also by the length of time someone is exposed to the noise: 90 decibels can be tolerated for eight hours; 95 decibels for four hours; and 100 decibels for just two hours.

According to the American Academy of Audiology, noise levels from fireworks can exceed 140 decibels. Exposure to sounds this loud can be painful and very dangerous for both children and adults.

When protecting your hearing, it is important to take proper precautions. Here are a few ways you can protect your ears from potential damage:

• Keep your distance from fireworks.
• Wear earplugs designed for hearing protection.
• Be especially careful around children, whose hearing is more vulnerable.
• Know the warning signs of hearing damage such as ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding speech after exposure.

The Eye Institute (TEI) offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment services, including emergency care for patients with eye injuries that require immediate attention. Current patients can report to TEI’s Emergency Service during regular business hours. If emergency care is required after hours, patients who have had an exam at TEI in the past three years can call 215.276.3035. If you are not a current TEI, go to the nearest emergency room.

And, if you suspect any degree of hearing loss or have warning signs, contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Expert audiologists will assess your hearing and make recommendations on how to address your hearing needs. For more information on PEI’s services or to make an appointment, call 215.780.3180.