New Year's Eve under high tension: Doctors warn of dangerous explosion trauma!

New Year's Eve under high tension: Doctors warn of dangerous explosion trauma!

In a few hours the last curtain of 2025 will fall and many people are looking forward to a magnificent fireworks display on New Year's Eve. But as anticipation builds, doctors at the Helios Hospital Gifhorn warn urgently about the dangers that can arise from fireworks. Dr. med. Marc Holzgraefe, an experienced ENT doctor, makes it clear that the sound levels produced by fireworks can reach over 150 decibels, which could have serious consequences for hearing. Above a value of 140 decibels, there is a risk of permanent damage to the inner ear.

Explosion trauma is not just a word, but a serious danger that affects not only detonators but also uninvolved people in the immediate vicinity. Sudden loud bangs can cause symptoms such as muffled hearing, ringing in the ear, a feeling of pressure and dizziness. In such cases, the advice is quickly clear: those affected should go to an ENT practice or the emergency room as quickly as possible. While early intervention improves the chances of recovery in many cases, the symptoms are often unpleasant but still treatable. In the case of mild damage, rest and protection are often sufficient, while more severe cases may require medication or even infusions. In the worst case scenario, such as a ruptured eardrum, surgery may even be necessary to repair larger tears.

Preventive measures for a safe New Year's Eve

How can you protect yourself and your ears? Dr. Holzgraefe has clear tips: keep your distance, use hearing protection or earplugs and only set off approved fireworks. On top of that, he advises never to lean over firecrackers that have been lit or have apparently gone out. Anyone who notices symptoms after a blast should definitely stay calm, do not clean the ear themselves and see a doctor as soon as possible. The faster help is provided, the higher the chances of complete recovery.

But it's not just being discussed in Gifhorn, the legitimacy of New Year's Eve fireworks is also being critically questioned nationwide. While many see it as an indispensable part of tradition, opponents repeatedly warn about the fine dust emissions and the stress on animals. A study by the German Society for Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine (DGHNO KHC) also shows that younger people in particular, especially those under 30, often suffer lasting hearing damage and tinnitus from loud New Year's Eve firecrackers.

The dimension of the problem

Around 60 percent of all injuries affect innocent bystanders, with more than 20 percent of those affected being minors. According to a recent analysis by ENT clinics, over 80 percent of the injured are men. The loudness of fireworks can even be compared to that of a firearm, and peak levels of over 190 decibels are not uncommon in professional fireworks displays.

The doctors appeal to citizens to become aware of the dangers and to put their own safety first. Earplugs are readily available in stores and can make a big difference. Anyone who notices hearing problems after such a loud event should see an ENT doctor, as therapeutic measures such as cortisone infusions, if applied within 24 hours, can prevent permanent damage in many cases.

The conclusion is clear: At the end of the year, it is important to look forward to the celebrations, but also not to neglect your own ears and the health of those around you. Stay safe, use the experts' tips and enjoy a responsible New Year's Eve!