 At Audiology Associates of Prestonsburg, you can live your life the way you want and find the freedom of better hearing. You'll experience patient care that is specific to you with exceptional follow-up care that ensures your hearing and balance needs are being met. Audiology Associates at 1428 Northlake Drive in Prestonsburg. With the 4th of July, right around the corner, many people are loading up on fireworks in anticipation of celebrating the holiday. As many people enjoy jumping the gun, it is important to be aware of those around you who may be sensitive to the sound of explosions. Veterans suffering from PTSD can be triggered by the sounds of fireworks exploding, so being aware of those in your area who may be sensitive is very important. The fireworks works on two things that triggers people. One is the sound, and two is the percussion of the sound wave. You feel it, and while you feel it, it feels like the air is being sucked out of your lungs, and then you hear it. Loud fireworks create a boom that can be felt within the body and is reminiscent of being near an explosion. Smaller fireworks, like poppers or firecrackers, are similar in sound to gunshots. Both of these sounds can easily trigger a PTSD response within someone suffering from the disorder. If you plan on using these fireworks in your area, communicate with the people in your neighborhood who might live with PTSD. You know, just give them a heads up. I know a lot of veterans that have been blown up, even when they go into an environment or if they know that there are going to be fireworks. They say that they can handle it, but they usually can't, and that's one they can't get over. They'll never be able to get over that. According to a 2021 survey, 75% of veterans and active service respondents experienced PTSD as a result of military service after 9-11. Someone suffering from a PTSD episode may become irritated or anxious when fireworks go off, and there are some things you can do to comfort them. One thing you do not want to do with somebody with PTSD is cut off all avenues of escape. They need to have an escape. If they don't have an escape, they will go through you. They will hurt you. And if it does trip PTSD trigger, don't try to console them. Don't try to hug them or any of that. Give them space. Ask them what they need. If they say, look, leave me alone, leave them alone, back off, okay? I want you to go into their personal space, then it's on you. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating the 4th with fireworks, it is important to be mindful of those struggling during the holiday. If you live in a neighborhood with a veteran suffering from PTSD, let them know you will be shooting off fireworks. For Mountain Top News, I'm Kelsey Dean.