Thunder and lightning-areport on firework-associated acoustic trauma at New Year 2021/2022 (German version)

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the frequency and type of firework-associated acoustic trauma occurring in Germany on New Year's Eve 2021, despite the ban on firework sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey period lasted 7days, from 28December 2021 to 03January 2022. Aquestionnaire inquired date, type and treatment of trauma, sex, and age of the patient, and whether the trauma occurred when lighting or watching fireworks. Hearing impairment was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO grades0 to4), and concomitant tinnitus, vertigo, or other injuries were recorded. The questionnaire was sent to the otorhinolaryngology departments of 171hospitals in Germany. Of 37otorhinolaryngology departments, 16reported no and 21reported 50patients with firework-associated acoustic trauma. Mean age was 29 ± 16years and 41 of 50patients were males. Of these 50patients, 22presented without and 28with hearing loss, 32reported tinnitus and 3vertigo; 20patients were injured when lighting fireworks and 30when watching. Hearing impairment was classified as 14 × WHO grade0, 5 × WHO grade1, 4 × WHO grade2, 2 × WHO grade3, and 3 × WHO grade4. Inpatient treatment was received by 8patients and 11suffered from concomitant burn injuries. Despite the sales ban, some firework-associated acoustic traumas occurred at New Year 2021/2022 in Germany. Some instances led to hospitalization, but an even higher number of unreported cases can be assumed. This study can serve as abaseline for further annual surveys to raise the awareness of the danger of seemingly harmless fireworks for the individual.