Attention, dear people! How to protect your hearing on New Year's Eve!

Attention, dear people! How to protect your hearing on New Year's Eve!

The New Year is just around the corner and with it the annual celebrations, which are often accompanied by colorful fireworks and loud firecrackers. But no matter how beautiful the colorful spectacle in the sky looks, the glowing effects hide significant dangers to our hearing. An expert from the Helios Klinikum Gifhorn warns urgently about the acute hearing damage that can be caused by New Year's Eve firecrackers. It's no secret: high-level banging noises can do much more than just cause a brief shock. According to regionalheute.de, sound levels of over 150 decibels can occur directly at the ear.

A blast trauma as a result of these loud explosions can have serious consequences such as hearing loss or tinnitus. Uninvolved people who are hit by uncontrolled firecrackers are particularly at risk. This makes it all the more important to take the symptoms of a blast trauma, such as muffled hearing or a feeling of pressure, seriously. In the event of hearing loss, you must quickly visit an ENT doctor or an emergency room. To protect yourself from the dangers, it is recommended to stay at least eight meters away from firecrackers and use suitable hearing protection.

Dangers and responsible handling

While some consider the tradition of fireworks to be essential, critics point out the associated risks for people and the environment. A central point here is the high level of fine dust pollution caused by fireworks. In addition, animal rights activists and environmental activists see the loud noise of New Year's Eve as a significant stress factor for many animals. According to a survey by localdirekt.de, around 60 percent of those injured in 2021/2022 were uninvolved bystanders and younger people under the age of 30 were particularly badly affected. Over 80 percent of those injured were male.

The numbers speak for themselves: the risk of explosion trauma is real and should not be underestimated. Studies show that firecrackers can reach extremely high volumes - up to 160 decibels, which is about the same as the sound of a gun. But even with noise emissions of 85 decibels or more, those affected should be careful, as hearing damage can occur here. There is a risk of temporarily or permanently losing track of high tones.

Prevention is key

The good news? There are numerous ways to protect yourself and others! Eberhard Schmidt, President of the Federal Guild of Hearing Care Professionals, states that a certain distance from explosive noise sources actually minimizes the risk. Anyone who wears hearing protection is also on the safe side. It is particularly important to make children aware of noise protection at an early stage. Special hearing protection capsules, often lovingly referred to as “Mickey Mice”, can be used here. Regular hearing checks by ENT doctors or hearing care professionals also underline the preventive approach.

In addition, if you have symptoms such as whistling or muffled hearing close to the bang, you should consult a doctor immediately. A blast trauma often heals without any lasting consequences as long as treatment is initiated quickly. Rapid intervention within 24 to 48 hours can make a decisive contribution to healing.

Although New Year's Eve, with its more colorful side, is a celebration of celebration, the responsibility towards our hearing must not be lost sight of. A balance of celebration and caution helps to enjoy the magical moments in a safe environment. The best thing is for everyone to do good business – with their own hearing!