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Noise Pollution and Associated Hearing Loss in a Metropolitan City—a Preliminary Report

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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

To measure the amount of noise produced in busy parts of a metropolitan and also to assess the audiological status of the civilians exposed to such noise. Cross-sectional study for one year between June 2017 and May 2018 was conducted. Noise was measured in four busy parts of an urban city with a digital sound level meter. People involved in various occupations in the busy parts for more than one year within the age range of 15–45 years were included. Maximum noise level recorded was 106.4 dBA in Koyembedu. Average noise was around 70–85 dBA in Chennai. Totally 100 people were subjected to audiological assessment (69 Males; 31 Females). Among them 93% had hearing loss. Hearing loss was almost equal both in sexes. Sensory hearing loss was the major type (83%). All areas were almost equally affected with maximum (100%) being affected in Annanagar and Koyembedu. The right ear was more affected than the left. All age groups were affected among which the working age group (36–45) years was most affected. The unskilled occupation group was most affected (100%). There was a positive relation between noise levels and hearing loss. Duration of exposure did not have positive correlation with hearing loss. Noise pollution and its induced hearing loss was more prevalent and increased in all four areas. As hearing loss due to noise pollution is predominant as observed in the study, awareness about noise pollution and its effects among the community is a necessity.

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Data Availability

Data available with Medical records depaetment of Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Thiruporur, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.

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Not applicable.

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Acknowledgements

The Madras ENT Research foundation (MERF) was very instrumental in conducting and completing this study. The authors would like to thank the institution at this juncture. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Sowmya for her contribution towards editing the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Annai ENT and Head & Neck Center, Erode, Tamil Nadu, 638009, India

    Roopak Visakan Raja

  2. Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

    Gurumani Sriraman

  3. Madras ENT Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Mohan Kameswaran

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  1. Roopak Visakan Raja
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  2. Gurumani Sriraman
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  3. Mohan Kameswaran
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Correspondence to Roopak Visakan Raja.

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Raja, R.V., Sriraman, G. & Kameswaran, M. Noise Pollution and Associated Hearing Loss in a Metropolitan City—a Preliminary Report. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 75 (Suppl 1), 278–284 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-022-03432-3

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