The loud noises and bangs of fireworks can be hugely stressful to people, pets and wild animals. And for those especially sensitive to noise or former servicemen and women suffering with PTSD, the whole month of November can be a distressing time, as people increasingly let fireworks off at random and not just on the designated occasion.
Loud noises: the facts
The NHS says that ‘children are often more sensitive to loud noises than adults’ – and for former service people with PTSD, the noise of fireworks can cause flashbacks to when they were in combat, triggering distressing memories and affecting their mental health.
In fact, unwanted noise of any kind has a physical impact on the human body – see this infographic from the BBC that illustrates how stress hormones are released that increase our heart rate and blood pressure.
What can you do?
Breathing exercises can help to calm us all in the moment of stress. The NHS suggests this calm breathing technique that can be done by anyone in any location to help keep you on an even keel.
Combat Stress, a charity providing specialist treatment and support for military veterans, especially those with PTSD, Complex-PTS, and moral injury resulting from their experiences during military service, also has some dedicated tips for coping with the sound of fireworks that can be useful for everyone to try, such as ensuring you are with family and friends or doing a workout to distract you during the event.
For children with sensitivity to noise, the Hope Autism Clinic suggests planning ahead and preparing for the event by reading books about fireworks, watching videos of fireworks to get used to the sounds and increasing the volume as you go. It also suggests creating a safe space in your home, with toys and items to provide comfort, as well as using noise-cancelling headphones.
For our beloved pets, PDSA has specific advice on how you can keep dogs, cats and small animals safe on Bonfire Night and beyond – and the RSPCA has explains that firework noise can permanently damage the hearing of dogs and horses, causing long-lasting tinnitus.
Moving forward
Last year, the Social Market Foundation found that ‘over 90% of Brits want alternatives to fireworks’. But until that time comes, finding ways to relieve the stress of the season is all we can do.
Reference
- Noise sensitivity (hyperacusis). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hyperacusis/ (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- How our noisy world is seriously damaging our health. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmjdm2m4yjo (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- Breathing exercises for stress. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/ (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- Helping Children with Sensory Issues Cope with Fireworks. Available at: https://www.theautismclinic.org/helping-children-with-sensory-issues-cope-with-fireworks/ (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- Pets and fireworks. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/pets-and-fireworks (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- How fireworks impact animals. Available at: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/fireworks (Accessed 5 November 2025).
- Over 90% of Brits want alternatives to fireworks, new polling reveals. Available at: https://www.smf.co.uk/over-90-of-brits-want-alternatives-to-fireworks-new-polling-reveals/ (Accessed 5 November 2025).
