New Delhi: With the arrival of the festive season, the ENT is concerned about the outcome of the cacophony of loud sounds. The celebrations often observed with thumping, blaring music for long durations of time can account for noise pollution, transcending the acceptable decibel (dB) level. The constant barrage of noise can be a source of discomfort and a host of ENT problems, especially in children. A significant rise in instances of hearing complaints and auditory problems in children has been observed post-festive celebration, and in worse cases, it can even lead to permanent hearing loss, generally referred to as noise-induced trauma.
In an interaction with , Dr Sanjay Sachdeva senior ENT consultant at HearClear India, shared tips to prevent auditory problems in children amid Diwali celebrations.
“Noise louder than 85 dB can have a damaging effect on the delicate hair cells of the inner ear. The inner ear hair cells of children are much more sensitive, increasing the susceptibility of loud noise trauma. The damaging effect of loud sound is not just limited to hearing disabilities but can also impact the cognitive function and communication skills of children. Looking at the intensity of the situation, let’s explore ways to protect the ear health of children amidst the festivity,” said Dr Sachdeva.
- Safe distance: Parents should ensure that children are at a safe distance from the source of sound to ensure their hearing safety. Maintaining a 500-feet distance can help a lot in diluting the decibel level and reducing the intensity of harmful noise.
- Ear protection: Exposure to loud noise in children can be avoided with the help of earmuffs, or earplugs, which can come in handy for giving the necessary protection to the ear.
- Recognising the symptoms: Parents should be observant of symptoms indicative of hearing problems in children. In case a child complains about continuous ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear, it can signify tinnitus. Similarly, if they are facing difficulty hearing or hearing incorrectly, they should be taken for immediate investigation and treatment. Teachers are very proactive in recognising that child has become less attentive in class or asking for repetitions.
- Consult a doctor: On discovering hearing problems in children, parents should immediately get them checked by an ENT specialist. Though there is an ability to heal on their own, there can also be instances of irreversible damage in the form of perforation of the eardrum or dislocation of bones in the middle ear or damage to the inner ear. Therefore, early detection and treatment can prevent permanent hearing loss, and a detailed diagnosis and timely detection can help in curing the damage to the ear.
