High Volume During Festivities Poses Risk Of Ear Damage, Doctors Warn: Here's How To Stay Safe

Keep in mind that children, elderly people and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. They must stay away from the sound field of the speaker.

Ear safety during festivals: During the festival time, many people suffer from ear-related ailments after getting exposed to high decibels of sound. The ear is a sensitive organ and one has to exercise caution, especially if they are around children and the elderly. With Ganeshotsav currently underway and many other festivals to follow, loud music may be heard everywhere. It can be distressing, doctors warn, as high-volume music during festivities poses a risk of ear damage in 20 per cent of people. Many experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), pain and discomfort, or ringing in their ears. To safeguard your hearing during this time of the year, it is advisable to limit exposure to loud sounds by wearing noise-canceling headphones or ear muffs, and distancing yourself from loud music blaring from speakers.

Here's What Doctors Advise For Ear Safety...

According to Dr Sushrut Deshmukh, ENT at Apollo Spectra, Pune, exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to ear damage in around 20 per cent of individuals. Children, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. Loud noise can cause NIHL, which can be temporary or permanent. "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 are difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds and speech that may appear distorted or challenging to comprehend," he said, adding that hearing tests should be done if one is unable to hear, in order to prevent permanent hearing loss.

Dr Deshmukh suggested doing the following things to prevent ear damage:

• Walk away from loud noise or take a break.
• Close doors and windows at home to avoid loud noise.
• Ensure the well-being of cardiac, cancer and stroke patients.
• Use earmuffs or noise-canceling earphones.
• Those with temporary or permanent hearing loss may need hearing aids.

Protection For Children And Elderly

Dr Bhavik Shah, ENT at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai said children, senior citizens and pregnant women are particularly at risk. Elderly patients, when they are exposed to loud noise, can suffer because they may not be able to 'bear the shock of loud sound'.

"Noise pollution can cause problems like arterial hypertension, which means stress on the heart. It can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Continuous exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing loss. Loud noise damages inner ear cells. It affects not only the body, but also the mind -- affecting sleep and increasing irritability. Noise causes stress in pregnant women affecting her baby, too," the doctor warned.

Dr Shah suggested doing the following things to prevent ear damage:

• The best solution to noise is to use ear plugs or ear muffs.
• Do not stay too long in the sound field of the speaker.
• The management of Ganeshotsav should be such that there is no loud noise and pollution during the arrival and immersion procession.
• People who have undergone heart surgery or have blood pressure problems should not stay in high-noise areas.
• Expectant mothers should exercise caution.
• Never use coconut oil if the baby's ears are hurting due to loud noise. For this, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
• For ear itching, refrain from sticking a finger or ear bud inside. Earbuds can increase the possibility of damage to the ear and its tympanic membrane.