City Turns a Deaf Ear to Noise, Literally

By Ayaan Khan

Have you ever wondered why the constable on the road will not listen to pleas to let you off the hook for that petty violation? Chances are he probably didn’t hear you in the first place. An informal survey done by the Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI) revealed that about 74 per cent of traffic policemen who were studied in the city suffer from irreparable hearing blocks.

In fact, any policeman who has put in more than four years of work at a stretch on the traffic beat is bound to turn hearing impaired, it said. Apparently most Hyderabadis could face the same fate as these poor traffic constables, if their lifestyle preferences don’t change.

Complaints of hearing loss are on the rise, warn ENT specialists, citing increasing noise levels—outdoors and indoors—as reasons. With every occasion in the family or festival celebrated with loud music and bursting of firecrackers, the average person’s exposure to unhealthy noise levels has increased manifold.

Roads are the biggest irritants. The AP Pollution Control Board has identified that noise pollution in urban areas is higher when compared to rural areas. “ This is because of an increase in the number of vehicles and the population,” says Rajeshwar Tiwari, member secretary of the Board.

In a survey of ambient noise level at major traffic junctions the Board found the noise levels at Punjagutta, Nagarjuna Hills circle and other places in the city to be close to 100 decibels during the day, as against an acceptable standard of 80 decibels. Anything beyond this standard can damage one’s cochlea (fine hair cells in the inner ear) leading to permanent loss of hearing. “Needless honking in Hyderabad is higher than any other city in the state,” cautions Tiwari.

Dr E C Vinaya Kumar, head of the ENT department, Apollo Hospitals says, “We do not realise what damage high intensity noise pollution can do to our ears.” Prolonged usage of gizmos like the iPod and the head phone could also lead to hearing ailments like partial deafness. Nerve deafness is not only related to age, but also due to trauma caused by a sudden loud noise, continuous exposure to cell phone or other devices. Those who frequent noisy clubs or pubs are also at risk.

Many youngsters do not notice that they are gradually going deaf, say specialists. While regular ear check ups and usage of ear plugs at noisy events could prevent the onset of deafness, one must be alert to symptoms.

Tinnitus sensation, characterised by a ringing or hissing feeling in the ears, as well as an inability to catch words that are softly spoken are some symptoms signalling the beginning of deafness.

Dr V Shanti, consultant ENT surgeon at Care Hospital says it is best to consult an ENT doctor. “Self-medication and ignorance of the right medicine usually worsens the problem. Ear drops in particular must be used only on prescription.” Vinaya Kumar sounds a warning note for the season, “Music at parties could range anywhere between 100 and 120 decibels, so if you cannot avoid such instances, use an ear plug because it can reduce noise levels by nearly 20 decibels.” So if your New Year party plans involve a pub or an event where DJs or bands belt out loud music, take care that it won’t literally blast your y’ears’ away.