Noise pollution is a serious problem in Indian cities. Traffic, construction and industrial operations are the main sources of urban noise. According to the WHO, an ambient noise level of above 55 dB is not healthy. Living in perpetually noisy environments can have many psychological and physiological side effects. It causes undue stress, increased irritability and elevated anxiety levels. Exposure to constant noise also causes high blood pressure, increased heart rate and insomnia. High noise pollution causes noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is permanent. To safe guard yourself against noise-induced hearing loss, you must avoid loud environments as much as possible. When unavoidable, try to use hearing protection devices like ear plugs, ear muffs or noise-cancelling headphones. It is also recommended to choose low-noise appliances and avoid smoking.
Indian cities have become increasingly noisy. Drilling, honking, grinding, loading and unloading, loud speakers in public spaces, AC sounds, generators, planes flying overhead, that annoying vehicle reversing sound – The noise is endless.
The word “noise” is derived from the latin word “nausea” which means disgust, annoyance or discomfort. Noise is any loud sound in the environment that is disturbing. Our cities are full of noise. Most inhabitants of the city actually become accustomed to a certain baseline level of noise. Noise pollution in cities is primarily caused by traffic, construction activities, industrial activities and mechanical equipment, like generators and air conditioners. In densely packed localities, people are also a source of noise. This could be in the form of public festivities, religious functions or political gatherings.
An interesting point to note here is that noise pollution increases with a decrease in tree cover in our cities. Trees and vegetation help in acoustically dampening loud noises, reducing their transmission over long distances. As our cities become more concrete and less green cover, the noise transmission and nuisance also increases.
Noise is widely measured in decibel (dB) units. This is a logarithmic ratio of the power of the round relative to the perceived loudness of the sound. This means that for every 10dB increase in sound levels, the human ear perceives it as being twice as loud. According to the Chennai Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average ambient noise level in Chennai was 71 dB in 2021. In July 2022, an NGO named Young Indians replicated this study and their result was 84.5 dB. The WHO’s recommended maximum ambient noise level is 55 dB, so either way the city’s baseline noise level is too high for comfort. The situation is similar in most other metro cities in India.
Noise pollution has adverse effects on people’s physical and mental health. High ambient noise levels are proven to increase stress levels, disturb sleep and cause hearing damage. The brain constantly monitors the environment for abnormal sounds and signals of danger, even while asleep. Loud noises, especially at night, can trigger anxiety and stress. These noises affect REM sleep, reducing the quality and depth of their sleep. Patients in hospitals also find it difficult to rest when there are loud traffic noises disturbing them throughout the day. Continuous exposure to loud noise increase a person’s sensitivity to stress. This means their baseline stress level is elevated, and we all know that’s the last thing we need. People living or working in noisy environments tend to be more irritable and prone to anger and frustration. They feel like a pot, just waiting to boil over at the slightest trigger. The mental health impact of this is immense, but goes unnoticed in popular discourse.
According to ENT specialists, continuous exposure to loud noises leads to noise-induced hearing loss. The hair cells found in the inner ear, which convert sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain, become damaged. Once damaged, these cells cannot regenerate. Continuous noise above 85 dB can cause noise-induced hearing loss. A single loud noise over 120 dB can also have the same effect. Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss include difficulty hearing (especially high pitched sounds), muffled hearing and tinnitus (a persistent ringing sound in the ears). Noise induced hearing loss can also create further complications such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, insomnia and anxiety. Patients who suffer from noise-induced hearing loss can be fitted with cochlear implants or hearing aids to help them hear better.
If you live in a metro city, near a construction site or near an industry, you are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
Reduce loud noises in your environment – First, identify the loud noises in the environments you visit every day, such as at home and at work or school. Try your best to reduce the noise you are exposed to. This can be achieved by turning down your TV, speaker and earphone volumes. If possible, you can noise-proof your bedroom doors and windows to a reasonable degree. This will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Use hearing protection in loud environments – Some environments are beyond our control. When it’s not possible to reduce the noise, you can reduce its impact on your ears by wearing noise-reduction earphones, earplugs or earmuffs. Try to take breaks from the noisy environment every 30 minutes by going into a quieter space. These are commonly available in stores and can also be purchased online. Some companies also make custom hearing protection devices for a comfortable fit, if you’re someone who wears it for long periods of time.
Check noise-rating of appliances – Most home appliances and industrial tools list the device’s decibel output. Invest in machines that have low or safe noise ratings, below 80 dB. This is applicable to your blender, mixer-grinder, AC outdoor unit, and even generator set.
Be mindful at public events – Public events like concerts, weddings and religious functions can get very loud. The loud speakers are usually blaring to cover a larger area with fewer speakers. Identify the locations of these speakers and try not to stand close to them for long. It is recommended to use hearing protection devices like earplugs, earmuffs or noise-reduction earphones in such settings.
Avoid noisy settings – Avoiding places with loud noises is the best strategy to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. It is recommended to avoid crowded places like malls, public squares, places of worship and tourist spots during peak times. Avoid loud night clubs and concerts too. Cinema theatres are also notorious for being too loud. Ask the manager to turn it down to a reasonable decibel level, or skip the theatre altogether and watch movies at home.
Petition your local government – Individual health and public health are intertwined. If there is a loud function or construction operation going on in your neighbourhood, you have a right to demand that the timings of such activities be restricted. You can use your democratic rights as a citizen to petition your local government body to ensure there are limits to excessive noises in your neighbourhood. Save yourself form suffering through the torture of loud noise 24×7.
Protect your children – If you have kids, they are more susceptible to hearing damage from loud noises. Teach them how and when to use their protective hearing devices. Make sure they use it at the right time. Children with mild to moderate hearing loss have difficulty making friends, learning and generally functioning in school.
Avoid smoking – Studies have shown that smoking tobacco can increase your risk of losing your hearing. If you are in the habit of smoking, you may want to quit.
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