BHI Press Release: 4th of July June 24, 2011 Protect Your Ears
This 4th of July, Better Hearing Institute Urges### Washington,
DC, June 24, 2011 The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging
people to pack earplugs when heading out to this year’s 4th of
July celebrations and is urging them to exercise safety whenever
around fireworks. The single bang of a firecracker at close
range can permanently damage hearing in an instant. But by
following some simple precautions, people can enjoy the 4th of
July festivities and still protect their hearing. "The best
advice I can offer is to leave the fireworks to the
professionals and sit at a comfortable distance from the
display, where you can enjoy the colors and lights, but not
expose yourself and your family to loud noises," says Sergei
Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s executive director. "To protect your
hearing, make sure you’re wearing ear plugs and that they’re
securely in place before the show begins. And be sure to keep
them in for the entire show." Disposable ear plugs, ma