‘High Decibels of Firecrackers pose an array of health risks’: Dr Ashok Gupta

‘High Decibels of Firecrackers pose an array of health risks’: Dr Ashok Gupta

Mohali, November 3, 2021: Dr. Ashok. K. Gupta, Director ENT, Fortis Hospital, Mohali today cautioned the tricity residents to take precautions while bursting firecrackers. In an advisory, the doctor said, firecrackers which constitute an integral part of the celebrations, not only cause air and noise pollution but also pose an array of health risks.

The high decibel levels cause high blood pressure, heart attack or other long term health problems. Normal decibel levels for humans is 60 Db but most crackers emit more than 80dB, a level can cause temporary hearing loss, he said.

There are other problems caused due to noise pollution like restlessness, anger, fidgetiness, impulsive behavior and sleep disturbance. If noise is loud enough and lasts long enough, it can cause irreparable damage to hearing. The damaged cause by noise is called sensorineural hearing loss or nerve loss.

Every year, post Deepavali, many cases of tinnitus (a constant ringing sound in the ear), perforations of ear drums, blocked ear and temporary hearing loss are reported. Tinnitus, which commonly occurs after noise exposure, is often permanent.

There are few facts which one should be aware of:

Fact 1: Fire Crackers sound and Hearing

Sound produced by crackers is loud enough and can cause noise induced hearing loss. It is very important to know the fact that the loss caused by loud exposure to noise leads to hearing loss which is irreversible only if reported within 48 hours.

Fact 2: Symptoms of acute, sudden noise trauma after cracker sound

. Ringing, buzzing sound or tinnitus.

. Partial hearing loss.

. Blocked ears.

. Perforation of the tympanic membrane with bleeding from ear 

Fact 3: Precautions that you can take against loud sound

Don’t use crackers which cause loud explosion

Use Acoustic blockers

Visit the nearest ENT Specialist in case if one experiences any of the above symptoms, he suggested.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Group Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 36 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4000 operational beds, and over 400 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.