Protect Your Ears from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss This Spring Festival

Author: [Author Name] Reviewer: [Reviewer Name] Curator: [Curator Name] Production/Organizational Information: [Organization Name] Title: Protect Your Ears from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss This Spring Festival Introduction: The Spring Festival brings joy, but firecracker noise (120-140 decibels) risks hearing loss; protect your ears this New Year. Keywords: ['Explosion-induced deafness', 'Hearing protection', 'The sound of firecrackers.'] Main text: "Amidst the sounds of firecrackers, a year comes to an end, and the spring breeze brings warmth into the wine." The tradition of setting off firecrackers during the Spring Festival has been passed down for thousands of years. As a nurse in the field of otolaryngology head and neck surgery, who interacts with hearing on a daily basis, I must remind everyone: the loud blasts of firecrackers are not just a matter of "festivity"; they can become an "invisible killer" of hearing.

How loud are firecracker sounds really? Our ears function like precise "sound receivers." They are fragile and sensitive, and once damaged, they are difficult to regenerate. The safe noise level that normal individuals can tolerate is 85 decibels, while daily conversations are around 60 decibels. In contrast, the noise intensity of firecrackers can reach 120-140 decibels, comparable to the sound produced when a jet plane takes off. Such a strong noise impact in a short period can directly cause congestion and perforation of the eardrum, as well as mechanical damage to the inner ear's hair cells, leading to "blast deafness," a sudden hearing loss. Children, the elderly, and those with existing ear conditions have a lower tolerance for noise, significantly increasing their risk of injury. These signals are the ears "calling for help"! If you experience the following symptoms during the Spring Festival: 1. Decreased hearing: Suddenly feel that the ears are "not hearing clearly," in one ear or both ears; 2. Tinnitus and ear fullness: The presence of high-pitched ringing in the ears, resembling the sound of cicadas or buzzing, accompanied by a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears, is a typical manifestation of damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. 3. Ear pain with bleeding: If there is a perforation of the eardrum, intense ear pain may occur, and there could be a small amount of bleeding from the ear canal. 4. Other discomforts: Some individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It is crucial to stay vigilant, as this may be a precursor to explosive deafness. The optimal treatment window for explosive deafness is within 72 hours after the injury! Prolonged hypoxia and metabolic disorders in the inner ear hair cells can lead to irreversible necrosis. If any of the above symptoms appear, make sure to visit an otolaryngology department as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may result in lifelong hearing impairment.

To protect your hearing in a noisy environment is actually not difficult; you just need to follow these three points: 1. Source avoidance: Minimize usage if possible; choose firecrackers produced by reputable manufacturers that are low in noise and have less power. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters from the firing point during discharge. Avoid igniting them in indoor spaces or hallways, or any enclosed areas. 2. Physical protection: Give your ears a "protective coat" by wearing earplugs or earmuffs in advance. High-quality earplugs can reduce noise by 20 to 35 decibels, while earmuffs provide better sealing. If you lack professional equipment, you can gently insert clean cotton balls into your ear canals or tightly cover your ears with your hands while keeping your mouth open. This can help balance the pressure inside and outside the eardrum, reducing the impact of sound waves. Elderly individuals, infants, pregnant women, and those with ear diseases should try to avoid exposure to fireworks displays. 3. Daily Ear Care: Avoid frequent exposure to areas where firecrackers are densely set off. After staying for 30 minutes, take a 10-minute break in a quiet environment. Do not use sharp objects to clean your ears. Peace and health are the best blessings for the New Year. May everyone listen to the joyous sounds of the New Year with healthy ears. Wishing you all in the coming year: keen hearing and clear vision, peace and happiness, and may all your endeavors be successful!