Pune: Pune: Firecrackers not only cause respiratory distress or cardiac problems but also temporary or permanent hearing loss. Majority of people belonging to the young age group who indulge in fireworks and stand extremely near the firecracker may encounter other ear issues like a sense of fullness in your ears, ringing, or roaring that may subside over time. It is essential to protect yourself and your family by enjoying fireworks from a distance and wearing ear protection.
Since Diwali is approaching, it is imperative for each and everyone to take utmost care of themselves. Firecrackers cause heart attacks, chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD headaches, sleep disturbance, eye problems, high blood pressure, restlessness, uneasiness, and stress along with ear pain and hearing loss.
Dr. Alkesh Oswal, ENT Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune Said, ‘‘Fireworks are thrilling, but if you’re too close, they can induce permanent damage to your hearing which cannot be tackled medically. Acoustic trauma owing to firecrackers can invite immediate hearing loss. It can also lead to ear pain, numbness, roar sensation, and tingling in the ears. A finite number of cells are there in the ears to facilitate our hearing, once damaged they can’t be restored, that loss of hearing is permanent. We see a fairly high number of cases with noise induced hearing loss on daily basis owing to current scenario of excess phone use and noise exposure , this cases tend to increase post diwali .People across all age groups can be affected, no specific age predisposition. Be smart and prevent noise-induced hearing loss from firecrackers, and stay safe and healthy during this Diwali.”
Dr. Vrushali Telang, ENT Surgeon Lokmanya Hospital Pune Said, “Firecrackers exhibited noise levels > 110 dB SPL even at a distance of 6 m. Noise from fireworks can reach up to most hazardous at 145 to 155db. Avoid holding a firework or firecracker, for throwing it before it explodes. Even if get successful in throwing at the right time in order to avoid injury to your hands and face, if it is anywhere close to you when it explodes, the firecrackers can lead to irreversible hearing loss. Your hearing can be immediately and permanently damaged. This hearing loss is commonly seen in elderly people, children, and pregnant women. There’s not a surgical or medical way of treating hearing loss once it occurs.”
Dr. Oswal highlighted, “Taking certain precautions can minimize ear damage. Maintain a safe distance from the firecrackers, use a headset, earmuffs, or earplugs over the ears, opt for firecrackers that don’t produce a loud sound. Close the windows and doors of the house to avoid loud noise from firecrackers.
Dr. Telang Added, “Signs of hearing loss are ringing of the ears, buzzing in the ears, dizziness, an unsteady feeling or a difficult time hearing people talk in a crowd. If you have prolonged symptoms, consult the doctor on an immediate basis.”
