Hyderabad’s growing health concern: Everyday noise could lead to permanent deafness

Awareness about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) remains low, yet the condition is steadily affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s. This hearing impairment is quietly spreading among young people in southern and western India, particularly in Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where noise pollution levels are significantly high, according to ENT surgeons from the city.

Hyderabad: The city’s constant hum, the rumble of traffic, blare of the sirens, constant drone from the ear buds and the roar of the construction sites, our ears are under siege all through the day, making us prime targets of gradual but irreversible hearing loss.

While there is very little awareness about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), it is quietly spreading among the younger demographic of individuals aged in their 30s and 40s. This sound stealing medical condition is silently spreading among young people across South and Western parts of India, especially in Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru, where noise pollution is relatively high, ENT surgeons from the city said.

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“We do not even bat an eyelid to the everyday noise that surrounds us in a city. But it has the potential to cause irreversible hearing loss. We wear earpieces and listen to music all the time or talk to people for hours. Protect your hearing before it’s too late, as we witness such cases in Hyderabad,” warns senior ENT surgeon Dr. Ashok Prudviraj from Medicover Hospitals.

A few days ago, Dr Ashok was visited by a 42-year-old tech professional from Hyderabad, who lost his hearing due to such everyday habits. The patient never imagined that getting exposed to the city noise, long hours of phone calls on ear pieces, and the hum of the bikes during weekend bike rides would cause irreversible hearing loss, Dr Ashok said.

The NIHL is one of the most preventable forms of hearing loss, yet it’s on the rise due to excessive headphone use, industrial noise, and unchecked exposure to loud environments.

Studies indicate that men in their 30s and 40s are most affected due to occupational exposure and lifestyle choices, while elderly populations in urban areas suffer from long-term noise damage. Yet, many dismiss hearing loss as a minor inconvenience, until conversations become difficult and social interactions suffer, he said.

Simple changes like reducing headphone volume, using noise protection in loud environments, and scheduling regular hearing tests can help preserve hearing, he advises.