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September 17, 2018
How Noise Pollution is
leading to Deafness in Kolkata
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you’ve ever tried to navigate Kolkata’s bustling streets or sat through a festival where loudspeakers blare music into the night, you know noise pollution is a part of life here. But what many don’t realize is that this constant barrage of sound isn’t just annoying—it’s causing serious, long-term damage to our hearing.
Noise pollution has emerged as one of the leading causes of hearing loss, and with Kolkata’s unique mix of heavy traffic, noisy workplaces, and loud celebrations, the city is a hotspot for noise-induced deafness. Let’s dive into how this is affecting us, the steps you can take to protect your hearing, and how advanced hearing solutions from top brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, Resound, and Starkey can help.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Noise Pollution?
Noise pollution refers to any unwanted or harmful sound that disrupts normal human activities or the environment. In cities like Kolkata, noise pollution primarily comes from three main sources:
- Traffic: Honking vehicles, screeching brakes, and the general chaos of the streets.
- Workplaces: Factories, construction sites, and offices that operate machinery.
- Loudspeakers: Festivals, political rallies, and even private functions that blast sound systems well above safe limits.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has noted that Kolkata is consistently one of the noisiest cities in India. The permissible noise levels in residential areas are 55 decibels (dB) during the day and 40 dB at night, but readings in some areas of Kolkata have gone up to 80 dB or higher, especially during peak traffic hours or festival seasons.
How Noise Pollution Leads to Hearing Loss
The structure of your ear is sensitive, especially the inner ear where sound waves are converted into signals that your brain understands. When exposed to loud sounds—above 85 dB—over long periods, the delicate hair cells in the inner ear can become damaged. These cells do not regenerate, meaning the hearing loss can be permanent.
In Kolkata, with regular exposure to traffic noise (often above 85 dB) and loudspeakers (sometimes reaching over 100 dB), the risk of hearing damage is exceptionally high.
Here’s how noise pollution can lead to deafness:
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Continuous exposure to loud noise, especially in traffic and at work, gradually damages the hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear), leading to NIHL. This type of hearing loss can be permanent and worsens over time if left unchecked.
- Tinnitus: Ever experienced a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears after leaving a loud place? That’s tinnitus, a common early sign of hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sounds. Tinnitus can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, and eventually, hearing impairment.
- Sudden Hearing Loss: In extreme cases, such as a sudden loud explosion or a blast from a loudspeaker, people can experience immediate hearing loss. Though rare, this is a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated noise.
Noise Pollution in Kolkata: The Hard Facts
According to an article from The Times of India, Kolkata’s average decibel count is 65-80 decibels. Yet there are claims that it crossing over 109db during peak traffic hours, making Kolkata one of the noisiest cities in India. These decibel levels are way above the 75 decibels in the day for commercial areas and 40 decibels at night for residential areas.
Workplaces, particularly in industrial zones like Howrah and Kidderpore, also contributed significantly. Construction sites and factories often operate heavy machinery without adequate soundproofing, putting workers at risk of gradual hearing loss.
The festival seasons, especially Durga Puja, add another layer of noise pollution. Loudspeakers and firecrackers push sound levels well over 100 dB, enough to cause permanent hearing damage if exposed for too long.
Protecting Yourself against Noise Pollution
While it’s difficult to avoid noise in Kolkata, there are ways to protect your hearing:
- Limit Exposure: Try to avoid areas with heavy traffic or wear ear protection when passing through noisy environments. Workers in factories or construction should always use earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs.
- Lower the Volume: Be mindful of the volume when listening to music or watching TV. Even at home, prolonged exposure to loud sound systems can damage your hearing.
- Regular Hearing Tests: At our clinic, we offer state-of-the-art hearing tests that can detect even mild hearing loss early on. If you’ve noticed difficulty hearing in noisy environments or find yourself turning up the volume on your devices, it’s time for a check-up.
How Modern Hearing Aids Can Help
If you’re already experiencing hearing loss due to noise pollution, modern hearing aids can dramatically improve your quality of life. With brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, Resound, and Starkey, the technology has advanced to the point where hearing aids aren’t just about amplifying sound—they’re about enhancing your overall hearing experience. Some of the key features include:
Noise-Cancelling Technology
These hearing aids can filter out background noise, allowing you to focus on conversations, even in crowded environments like Kolkata’s streets or workplaces.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Many hearing aids now come with Bluetooth capabilities, letting you connect to your phone or TV directly.
Discreet Design
Today’s hearing aids are sleek and barely noticeable, so you don’t have to worry about bulky devices.
Additionally, if your hearing loss is severe, cochlear implants from brands like Med-EL and Cochlear can provide a more permanent solution. These implants are surgically placed and can restore a significant level of hearing for those who no longer benefit from traditional hearing aids.
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ability to hear—it impacts how you speak and communicate with others. CC Saha Hearing Clinic offers speech therapy sessions to help individuals adjust to hearing aids and improve their communication skills. This can be especially beneficial for those who’ve experienced hearing loss due to noise pollution, as therapy can help retrain your brain to process sounds more effectively.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Noise pollution is an unavoidable reality in Kolkata, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Protecting your hearing should be a priority, whether it’s through prevention or taking action once you notice signs of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests, protective measures, and modern hearing aids can significantly reduce the impact of noise pollution on your health.
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive solutions—from hearing tests and speech therapy to advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants. Book your consultation today, and take the first step towards safeguarding your hearing in this noisy world.
Your ears deserve better—don’t wait until it’s too late!
FAQs
What is noise pollution?
Noise pollution is harmful or unwanted sound that disrupts the environment or human health.
How does noise pollution cause hearing loss?
Constant exposure to loud noises damages the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.
What are common sources of noise pollution in Kolkata?
Traffic, construction sites, and loudspeakers during festivals are major sources of noise in Kolkata.
Can hearing loss from noise pollution be reversed?
No, once the inner ear hair cells are damaged, the hearing loss is permanent. Early prevention is key.
What are the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss?
Symptoms include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Are hearing aids effective for noise-induced hearing loss?
Yes, modern hearing aids with noise-cancelling technology can improve hearing and focus in noisy environments.
How can I protect myself from noise pollution?
Use ear protection in noisy environments, avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises, and get regular hearing check-ups.
What are cochlear implants, and how do they work?
Cochlear implants are devices that bypass damaged parts of the ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly, providing a sense of sound.
Can loud workplace noise cause hearing loss?
Yes, consistent exposure to loud machinery or equipment without protection can lead to long-term hearing damage.
Where can I get my hearing tested in Kolkata?
CC Saha Hearing Clinics offers state-of-the-art hearing tests, speech therapy, and advanced hearing solutions like hearing aids and cochlear implants.
At C.C. Saha Ltd., we provide a comprehensive range of hearing solutions that include the testing of a patient’s ability to detect tones at different frequencies. Our highly skilled Audiologists conduct a thorough examination, taking into account the patient’s hearing loss history, lifestyle choices, and needs, and then recommend the best possible hearing solution.
We are present across the city of Kolkata, at Esplanade, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Dunlop, Salt Lake, and Barasat. We also have clinics at Midnapore and Burdwan.
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