Specsavers’ Bonfire Night warning: ‘20 is plenty’

IF you’re heading to a fireworks display this Bonfire Night, Specsavers is encouraging everyone to stay a safe distance back in order to protect their hearing.
To ensure your ears aren’t harmed from the loud whizzes and bangs from the colourful explosions, experts recommend standing at least 20 metres away from where the fireworks are lit.
Gordon Harrison, Specsavers’ chief audiologist, says: ‘According to UK regulations, the legal limit for fireworks is 120 decibels. That’s a huge 35 decibels above the level of noise where hearing damage occurs. The good news is, if you distance yourself enough from the fireworks – ideally at least 20 metres from where the fireworks are lit – then this should diminish the sound to a safe level.’
It is also recommended that those who are putting on displays invest in hearing protection.
‘If you are lighting fireworks yourself, make sure you invest in a pair of ear plugs,’ adds Gordon.
Hearing is important, and monitoring any deterioration is equally significant, as an early intervention may help reduce the impact of hearing loss, such as feelings of isolation, not being able to socialise as much and feeling lonely.

Specsavers recommend hearing tests every two years for those aged over 55 years old. Many stores offer regular clinics so that customers can have hearing screener checks and full hearing tests, with many selling ear plugs, so do pop along to your nearest one to find out more.

To book a hearing test and explore the range of hearing protection, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing