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Can Holiday Parties Damage Hearing?

We all know that a huge explosion, heavy construction equipment or booming loud music at Starlite can damage our hearing. What few of us think about is how our holiday celebrations affect our ears.

Holiday Celebrations and Hearing Damage

Happy group having dinner at a holiday party.

A sound doesn’t have to reach explosion levels to be dangerous. In fact, noises at or above 85 decibels (dB), equivalent to the volume of a gas-powered lawn mower, can hurt our hearing if we spend enough time exposed to them. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to damage hearing. A noise at 120 dB, the volume of the emergency siren, can cause immediate hearing loss.

Holiday celebrations typically include lots of music, talking and maybe even some holiday confetti poppers. The culmination of all that sound can extend past the threshold for hearing loss.

How Can I Protect My Hearing?

There are a few ways you can protect your hearing:

  • Wear earplugs on the dance floor. You may not want to wear earplugs when you’re having a conversation with your fellow partygoers, but wearing them on the dance floor, especially near the speakers, is crucial. You can choose high-fidelity earplugs with special filters that lower the volume without compromising music quality, allowing you to enjoy the beat without damaging your hearing.
  • Lower the volume occasionally. If you’re having dinner during your celebration, lower the volume while you eat. Doing so will give your ears a chance to rest while also allowing you to enjoy conversations with friends, family or coworkers.
  • Stand away from the speakers. Music is louder the closer you get to the speakers. If you’re hosting the party, place the speakers away from the areas where your guests will be seated. If you’re attending someone else’s party, try to find a space away from the noisier areas.
  • Split into smaller groups. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider dividing your guests into small groups. They’ll be able to talk to each other without shouting, and the overall noise will be lower.

If you notice signs of hearing loss, like ringing in the ears or muffled voices, contact us at Sound Advice Audiology to schedule a hearing test.  Â