The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Free hearing camps today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 27, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Free hearing camps today

Staff Reporter

AGAINST NOISE POLLUTION: A noise-level check was carried out in Bangalore as part of International Noise Awareness Day on Wednesday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: The Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing, R.T. Nagar, and the Nayak's Hearing Care Clinic, Wilson Garden, will organise free hearing camps on Thursday.

Noise pollution is increasing and by the time a person realises that he is suffering from hearing loss, it is too late. Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, Radhika Poovayya, director of Samvaad, said.

Samvaad Institute and Nayak's clinic are trying to create awareness about the importance of having a quiet home and environment. On Wednesday, when International Noise Awareness Day was observed, they urged the public to protect their hearing and health.

Traffic noise was measured at 10 important areas of the city and the results were compared to the permissible noise level given by the Central Pollution Control Board.

"We must take the responsibility to reduce noise in our surroundings and create a healthy environment," said M.S.J. Nayak, Director of Nayak's Hearing Care Clinic.

Noise pollution is caused by several sources; 80 per cent caused by motor vehicles, 10 per cent by industry and the rest by trains, public places, bars, etc. "Unfortunately, the fact that noise induced hearing loss is `preventable' seems to be falling on deaf ears," said Ms. Poovayya.

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