Is India listening to WHO warning?

The World Health Organisation’s warning that loud music damages hearing must be taken seriously. It has said that over a billion teenagers and young adults worldwide are at risk of hearing damage caused by loud music. Data collected in the course of a study done in middle- and high-income countries found that 50 per cent of the respondents expose themselves to unsafe levels of sound through the use of personal devices such as earphones and headphones, while 40 per cent are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at nightclubs, bars, music concerts and sporting events. Those who are employed at nightclubs are even more vulnerable to hearing damage as they are exposed to high decibel sound frequently and over an extended period. Damage to the ears must not be taken lightly. It can lead to temporary hearing loss, a ringing sensation in the ears or permanent damage to sensory cells in the ears. Damage to the ears, whether temporary or permanent, has serious implications not just for the individual’s hearing but also for her physical and mental health, social skills, learning and employment. Long term exposure to loud noise can contribute to cardiac problems too.

Besides exposure to noise, genetic conditions, complications at birth and infectious diseases can cause hearing loss as well. An important point to bear in mind is that 50 per cent of hearing loss cases is preventable, which means we can take steps to avoid damaging our ears. For instance, we can reduce our exposure to high decibel sound by turning down sound levels of the music we listen to on speakers and more importantly on headphones, avoiding prolonged exposure to high decibel sound and reducing the frequency of exposure to such sound. Creating awareness about these simple steps especially among youngsters can prevent hearing loss.

In India, more than music, it is honking and reverse horns that damages hearing the most. Then there is our ear-shattering celebration of festivals and sporting and electoral victories with bursting of crackers. In 2005, the Supreme Court issued guidelines to curb noise pollution in the country. It imposed restrictions on honking and use of loud-speakers in public places and issued norms for use of high-volume sound systems, generators and vehicles. However, few follow them. A bit of restraint in the way we celebrate or express our irritation on roads can go a long way in reducing noise pollution on our streets, protecting in the process our ears from damage. The WHO report should stir us to take action.