Noise deafness is a serious health problem. According to the World Health Organization’s ‘World Hearing Report’, 1.5 billion people in the world are living with hearing loss, of which at least 43 million people are people who can be treated for dementia. It is expected that by the year 2050, the number of such people will be 70 crore. Noise pollution is actually such unwanted electromagnetic signals, which harm humans in many ways. Therefore, noise-induced hearing loss needs immediate attention.
Global studies suggest that workers engaged in construction work, industrial activities (automotive industry, mines, textiles, etc.), shipbuilding or repair work, fire fighting, civil aviation, etc., are more prone to noise-induced hearing loss. However, unsafe recreational facilities, residential spaces, and civil and military services can also increase the risk of hearing loss. It is estimated that 15 percent of youth are deaf due to loud noises from concerts, sporting events and daily work.
The problem of noise-induced hearing loss is more prevalent in developing countries, where rapid industrialization, expansion of the informal sector and lack of protective and noise-control measures have forced people to spend days in all-round noise. In India, the Factories Act treats noise-induced hearing loss as a disease that needs immediate attention. The Directorate General of Factory Advice Services and Labor Institute (DGFASLI) has recommended a maximum of 90 decibels of noise for eight hours only.
In 2015, the World Health Organization estimated that 1.1 billion young people were at risk of hearing loss from unsafe hearing aids. But noise is not the only problem in workplaces. In recent times, loudspeakers have started being used extensively in the name of faith in religious places or places of worship. Events for world peace are also not complete without noise, while if loud noises above 85 decibels reach our ears, then we can have temporary deafness problems and our hearing can be reduced. . It is possible to cure it in 10-15 days after exposure to loud noise. However, if the ear hair cells and associated nerve fibers are exposed to repeated or continuous noise, the deafness can become permanent. The effects of excessive noise can also lead to permanent memory loss and mental illness.
Exposure to loud music and surrounding noises or sudden loud noises can also lead to a gradual loss of our ability to hear. In fact, loud noises stimulate the delicate auditory cells, which can cause them to be permanently injured or destroyed. In this way, once the ability to hear is lost, it is impossible to regain it. Similarly, indiscriminate use of vehicle horns on the roads and widespread use of loudspeakers in social and religious gatherings in different communities of the country can also lead to various health problems. These can cause diseases like mental illness, deafness, high blood pressure, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia. A person exposed to loud noises may also suffer from diseases related to the blood-circulation system, heart disease, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers and neurological diseases.
Obviously, we have to implement those measures, which can eliminate the problems caused by loud noise. The best way out of these is to reduce the noise or loud noises around. The Supreme Court is of the view that a direction can be issued from the court to control noise pollution, even if the noise is being generated due to religious activities. He has said, no religion allows that prayer should be done by disturbing the peace of others. In a civilized society such activities cannot be allowed in the name of religion which disturb the sleep of the old or infirm, students or children at night, morning or day. The court’s direction came in the context of fireworks being used during Diwali and other festivals. The court has held that Indian society is pluralistic. The people here are divided into different castes and communities and have faith in different religions. They celebrate various festivals. They are tolerant of each other. So if one is exempted, there will be no justification for not exempting the other. And, if we do that, the exemption will become the rule. Then it will be difficult to enforce the laws.
Anyway, sleep is our fundamental right. The apex court also holds that sleep is essential for a human being to maintain a balance between the essential elements of good health. Therefore, sleep is a basic necessity, without which the existence of human life would be in danger. Disturbing sleep would amount to torture, which is now accepted as a violation of human rights.
Clearly, avoiding exposure to loud sound is considered an effective solution to the problem of hearing loss. This is why reducing harmful noise, reducing its risk, providing effective personal protective equipment for noise protection, early detection of noise-induced hearing loss through screening, and treating people who have lost their hearing are public health goals. are part. We have to understand that the loss of hearing power not only affects the human being, but also has a negative effect on the society. Therefore, it can be overwhelming for us to ignore the problem of noise-induced hearing loss.
(These are the author’s own views)