Noise pollution due to loud music during Ganeshotsav can cause ear damage in 20 per cent of individuals, warn experts

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Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration for many but with festivities come a lot of song, dance and music too. With a vibrant atmosphere filled with loud music throughout the city to honour Bappa and seek his blessings, experts say it is important to be aware of the effect of loud sounds.

The joy of celebrations can quickly become distressing, as the high volume of sounds during the festivities poses a risk of ear damage for 20 per cent of individuals. Many may experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), discomfort, pain, or ringing in their ears. To safeguard your hearing and enjoy the celebrations without issues, it's advisable to limit exposure to loud sounds by using noise-canceling headphones or ear muffs and distancing yourself from the source of loud sound.

Ganeshotsav is celebrated across Maharashtra with great fervour. During the festival, a large number of people join the processions, dance their hearts out, and welcome their beloved Bappa. However, the loud music played during the festival can be a matter of concern for people.

Dr Sushrut Deshmukh, ENT, Apollo Spectra, Pune, explains, "With loud music blaring from speakers and processions echoing through the streets, many people aren't aware of the ill effects of loud sound on their hearing health. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to ear damage in around 20 per cent of individuals. Children, elderly people, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly prone to hearing problems. Loud noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which can be temporary or permanent."

He adds, "Moreover, loud noise can damage the hair cells and hearing nerve in your inner ear and there can be pain, swelling, discomfort, and ringing of the ear. The common symptoms seen due to noise-induced hearing loss are difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds, and speech that may appear distorted or challenging to comprehend. Among the 10 people who visited, 7 aged between 13-65, reported experiencing ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and tinnitus 9ringing of the ears). A hearing test should be done on an immediate basis if one is unable to hear and avoid permanent hearing loss."

Dr Deshmukh added, "To prevent ear damage, walk away from loud noise or take a break, close the doors and windows at home to avoid loud noise especially to ensure the well-being of cardiac, cancer, stroke patients, use earmuffs or noise-canceling earphones. Those with temporary or permanent hearing loss may need hearing aids."

Dr Bhavik Shah, ENT Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai, further adds, ‘‘Children, senior citizens and pregnant women can suffer a lot due to DJ noise during festive season. Due to this loud noise, elderly patients suffer because they cannot bear the shock of loud sound. Noise pollution can cause problems like arterial hypertension which means stress on the heart can lead to myocardial infarction (which means heart attack) or stroke. Continuous exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing loss. Loud noise damages the inner ear cells. It can affect not only the body but also the mind. It also affects sleep by increasing irritability. Noise causes stress in pregnant women. This can affect both the mother and her baby.''

Dr Shah Added, ‘‘The best solution to this noise is to use ear plugs or ear muffs. Do not stay too long in the sound field of the speaker. Our ears can tolerate 80 decibels. The ears of a common man can tolerate a sound of 75 to 80 decibels. In a crowded place, we can tolerate a sound of up to 110 decibels. The management of Ganeshotsav mandals should take care that there should be no noise and air pollution during the arrival and immersion procession of Ganeshotsav. People who have undergone heart surgery or have blood pressure problems should not stay in high noise areas. Expectant mothers should stay away from the sound of DJs. Never add coconut oil if your baby's ears are hurting due to high noise levels. For this it is advisable to take medical advice. Also for ear itching don't scratch your ears by ‘using ear buds'. Due to ear bud use, there is a possibility of damage to the ear and tympanic membrane.''