The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Revving up that engine can make you deaf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Revving up that engine can make you deaf

K. Satyamurty

Noise from vehicles at busy junctions reaches dangerous levels

Bangalore: Noise levels are increasing and in many parts of the city, they may be considerably above safe levels indicated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. Traffic noise, contributed by the estimated 2.5 million vehicles on the roads, may be the single largest contributing factor.

Wednesday will be International Noise Awareness Day and according to Radhika Poovayya, Director, Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing, much more needs to be done to reduce noise levels. "Continuous exposure to noise above 85 decibels can be harmful to hearing and documented research has found that even lesser may induce physiological changes in blood pressure, digestion and sleep patterns and stress-related disorders. Studies have documented the harmful effect of noise on children's learning abilities and behaviour," she says.

"We must take the responsibility to reduce noise in our surroundings. It is an environmental hazard that needs to be taken seriously," says M.S.J. Nayak, Director, Nayak's Hearing Care Clinic.

Hearing loss

Although almost everyone is affected by noise induced hearing loss, it happens over a course of years and by the time it is realised, it may be too late. "Noise induced hearing loss can be prevented. Ears don't ache or bleed to indicate an injury from noise. Eighty per cent of noise pollution is from vehicles, 10 per cent by industries and the rest from sources such as trains, music in public places and other noise," says Ms. Poovayya.

Warning signals

The few warning signals that a person is exposed too much to noise can be a feeling of ringing in the ears and muffled sounds inside the ear immediately after exposure to loud noise.

Industrial workers should be provided ear muffs and those at home can learn to keep the volume of music systems and television sets lower, make sure their vehicles don't make too much noise and most people can do with an annual hearing check-up.

Ms. Poovayya and Dr. Nayak will spend Wednesday measuring noise levels at 10 important places in Bangalore, ending with the Mahatma Gandhi Road promenade and will offer hearing tests to vulnerable persons such as traffic police personnel.

The Environmental Protection Act, 1986, says the safe noise levels during the day in residential areas should be 55 decibels (dB), and 65 dB in commercial areas.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail