For many of us, New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate with family and friends. However the fireworks explosions at midnight and loud music at gigs and parties can result in a ringing in the ears that lasts well into the New Year. The Tinnitus Clinic has put together a few tips which can help reduce your risk of tinnitus and hearing loss throughout the party season and beyond.
Wear ear defence
When considering your outfit for New Year’s Eve, add in a pair of good quality filtered ear plugs. If you attend a lot of concerts or are frequently exposed to other loud noises, you may wish to contact The Tinnitus Clinic and arrange a fitting for one of our custom-made hearing protection devices.
Take time out
Prolonged exposure to noises over 85 decibels has been linked to noise-induced hearing loss. Fireworks blasts can often have a volume over 120 decibels. Try to limit your exposure to this level of noise to less than an hour before giving your ears a break in a quieter environment.
Keep your distance
Being right up close to the speakers in a night club or standing too close to a fireworks display will increase the risk of damaging your hearing. If you move to the other side of the room or further back in the crowd, you may be able to enjoy the celebrations for longer without the noise affecting your ears.
Get checked
If you do experience ringing in your ears or any distortion/muffling of your hearing following on from your New Year’s celebrations, this effect may fade over the next few days. However if the tinnitus or hearing loss continues for a prolonged period, you may wish to talk to your GP about the treatments available to you or contact The Tinnitus Clinic for an independent consultation.
Happy New Year from the team at The Tinnitus Clinic!
