The warm weather season is here, and your schedule is quite possibly already packed with lots of parties and plans. Being outside celebrating on Independence Day is something a lot of people do. With it comes marching bands, live music, parades and, of course, fireworks. When going out to celebrate this holiday season, don’t miss out on the fun, just take a second to consider how you might protect your hearing.

Noise-induced hearing loss affects around 6 percent of the U.S. adult population below the age of 70; that equals around 40 million people. It’s sad that this form of hearing damage is nearly 100 percent preventable. What’s necessary is a little forethought and good sense. Take into consideration some examples of why you should really take care of your hearing as you enjoy yourself this summer and how to do it.

FireWorks are the Loudest of all.

There are many potential dangers of fireworks but hearing damage tops the list. Hearing damage is not mentioned much by experts, but it tops the list of dangers associated with fireworks.

Boys Town National Research Hospital states you’re at risk of hearing loss from fireworks regardless if you’re shooting them off yourself or watching them at a public show. With extensive exposure, any sound over 85 decibels can cause noise-related hearing damage. 150 to 175 decibels is the typical range of fireworks. Even though adults may tolerate up to 140 decibels for a short time, children can only deal with short periods at 120 decibels. This is according to the World Health Association. Fireworks are normally louder than both those numbers.

The positive spin? The further away you are away from the explosion, the lower your risk of hearing damage. People watching, for example, from their porch, would be less at risk than someone in the stands where the fireworks show is happening. If you are an adult it is recommended that you stand at least 30 yards away. Babies should not be there and children should be at least 70 yards away.

Because You Love Live Music

Who doesn’t? Summer is the greatest time for some of the best musicians come out to play. The World Health Association states that a billion teens are at risk for hearing loss from music whether it is coming from ear-buds, a parade or a favorite band playing on stage.

Any person exposed to loud music faces the same possible consequence, but time is a factor when it comes to live music. A sound at 100 decibels, which is typical level for live shows, becomes dangerous after just 15 minutes. Most of the time a live concert is much longer than that.

Then There are the People

The most underestimated danger for hearing damage is crowd noise. At a good event, there will be people on all sides of you shouting to talk over everybody else. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association claims that crowd noise at sports games ranges between 80 to 90 decibels. Unfortunately, it will probably be louder and more consistent at a celebration or parade.

Use Common Sense When Celebrating

What can you do to protect your ears? It’s a lot more common sense than you may think. Start by assessing your hearing risk at the event:

• Will there be loud music?
• Large crowds?
• Fireworks?

What precautions you take depends on how loud you think the celebration will be. If there is loud music or crowds, plan on wearing ear protection. With something simple like foam earplugs, you can still hear what’s going on, but at a much safer level.

You will want to keep your family back at a safe distance at a fireworks show. You don’t have to be dangerously close to enjoy fireworks. Plan on watching from at least a block or two away. Being a little further away helps you avoid large crowds making the show more enjoyable

What About the Non-Sound Risks at Celebrations?

Sound levels are not the only concern here. Celebrations bring with them hot sun, too much drink, too little water and fatigue. If you have tinnitus or suffer from hearing loss these things will make them worse.

Remember to celebrate in moderation. Don’t go to the celebration too early if it’s going to be a late night. Always drink plenty of water and try to moderate your alcohol consumption. You also need to be able to go somewhere and get out of the heat for a while. Can you find some shade? Can you get access to an air-conditioned building?

Celebrations come and go but your ears are a one time deal. You can take care of your ears and still have a great time. If you are worried that you may have already suffered hearing damage it is important to make an appointment with a hearing care specialist.