Noise-induced deafness in TN: Expert insights on earphone use, hearing health

New Delhi: Two days after Dr T S Selvavinayagam of Directorate of Public Health (DPH)released a public note on how increase in earphone and headphone use was leading to a surge in preventable but irreversible deafness, senior ENT surgeon Dr Mohan Kameshwaran tells TOI how deafness is becoming a concern.

Is there an increase in noise-induced deafness in Tamil Nadu?

We don't have a registry or study, but I see at least 10 patients in my clinic with this problem every day. A decade ago, most of these people worked in noisy factories. Today, at least 7 of 10 patients with this problem have abuse of audio devices. It occurs in all age groups.

DPH advisory says the volume while using earphones must be 50dB or lower.

People use earphones at work and for recreation. There's a tip – the person next to you shouldn't guess the song or the person speaking to you. Most phones indicate safety levels in volume. Safety hours come down drastically with an increase in decibel levels. When we can hear sounds without earphones at 80 decibels (dB) for up to eight hours, at 90dB, it is safe for not more than four hours, and at 100dB, it drops to just two hours.

So, do they wear hearing aids?

While hearing aids have come a long way, they still face challenges in noisy environments.

Do you advise people to come for annual ear checks?

People over 60, individuals exposed to loud noise, those with a family history of hearing loss, and people experiencing ear-related issues must undergo checks every year.