Bonfire Night and Beyond: Protecting Your Ears During Fireworks Season

Bonfire Night is a feast for the senses – dazzling light displays, the scent of woodsmoke, cosy scarves, and toffee apples. But it’s also one of the loudest nights of the year.

Whether you're enjoying a professional fireworks show or lighting sparklers in the garden with family, it’s important to know how this annual celebration could be affecting your ears – and what you can do to protect them.

How loud is too loud?

Fireworks might be beautiful, but they’re also incredibly loud. Most reach 120 to 150 decibels at close range – louder than a jet engine taking off. That’s well above the 85-decibel level where hearing damage can begin.

To put that in perspective:

·         Normal conversation: around 60 dB

·         City traffic: around 85 dB

·         Fireworks (up close): 120–150 dB

Even a single, close-range exposure to that level of sound can cause permanent hearing damage – especially in children, whose ears are more sensitive.

Watch out for these signs of hearing strain

After Bonfire Night, be alert to signs that your ears may have had too much:

·         Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

·         Muffled hearing or a sense of ‘fullness’

·         Sensitivity to everyday sounds

·         Difficulty following conversations

These symptoms may fade, but in some cases they’re signs of noise-induced hearing loss. The good news? It’s preventable.

Simple steps to protect your hearing this season

Wear ear protection – Foam or silicone earplugs are cheap, discreet and effective. If you’re a regular at loud events, consider custom-moulded plugs for comfort and durability. Children’s versions are widely available too.

Mind your distance – Keep at least 15–20 metres back from the fireworks launch area – and further for young children.

Give your ears a break – Avoid prolonged exposure to loud bangs and take regular breaks from the noise – especially at large events.

Choose quieter alternatives – Silent fireworks displays are increasingly popular and just as beautiful. You might even find one in your local area.

Hearing aids and fireworks: a quick note

If you wear hearing aids, fireworks might feel overwhelming. Adjusting your settings to reduce amplification in loud environments can help. Modern devices often include a noise-reduction mode – check your manual or speak to your audiologist.

We're here if the noise lingers

If you notice any changes in your hearing after Bonfire Night – whether it’s a persistent ringing, muffled sounds or difficulty hearing conversation – it’s worth getting things checked. Early intervention makes a real difference.

Call The Hearing Clinic to book an appointment today:
 01462 506074 (Hitchin)  01923 372101 (Radlett)
 01707 594979 (Welwyn)