Noise: Silent killerhttps://www.telegraphindia.com/1170227/jsp/knowhow/story_137960.jsp
Your Health - Dr. Gita Mathai
Normal conversation takes place at 55 decibels, anything above 85 decibels is harmful to our ears
Pollution comes in many forms - as additives and pesticides in our food, toxic fumes from factories and vehicles in the air we breathe, as green house gases in the atmosphere - and we are very aware of most of them. However, most of us remain blissfully unaware of is noise pollution and its myriad ill effects.
What exactly is noise pollution? Normal conversation takes place at around 55db (decibels); anything above 85db is harmful to our ears. You are immediate environment is too noisy if you have to speak loudly to make yourself heard, or turn up the volume of the television. Now, of course, you also have apps on your mobile phone that can tell you how much noise pollution you are putting up with.
In order to hear well, the fine hair called cilia in the cochlea (a part of the inner ear) has to be functioning well. Loud noises damage the cilia, resulting in hearing loss. This is usually symmetrical and affects both ears equally. It can affect only one ear if phones or music systems are held only on one side. This type of hearing loss, unlike presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) is 100 per cent preventable but not reversible. Progression can however be prevented.
Noise induced hearing loss happens so gradually that people do not realise it. Warning signs are when they find that following conversations becomes difficult, and, they have to ask people to repeat themselves. Sometimes, sounds in another room may be missed. There can be ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and loss of balance (vertigo). At this point, it is best to get the hearing professionally evaluated.
External sounds in the environment also affect our nervous system by releasing hormones and chemicals to produce a "flight or fight" reaction. If the sounds are prolonged, the body remains in a state of tension. Blood pressure can go up and heart disease can result.
Noise pollution has also been proven to cause nausea, anxiety, jitteriness, and anger. Arguments and fights can break out. Rhythmic beats can produce hysterical reactions in susceptible people. This can result in "pseudo possession" with them going into a trance and performing bizarre acts.
Sound is subconsciously considered a source of power. Vehicular traffic produces continuous sounds with motors revving and honks blaring. Some buses have "air horns" which they blow continuously while driving through traffic. Macho men drive motorcycles with silencers removed to increase the sound. The db at political rallies is not for the fainthearted. Our festivals, marriages and deaths are very noisy, with blaring music, and firecrackers.
Many people listen to music when they exercise. The "beat" of the song is adjusted. When the tempo is fast, people ran faster and when the tempo slowed they do too. Their effort and heart rate sync automatically with the music.
All this environmental noise enters our homes. We can reduce this by lining the walls with cupboards or bookshelves. Plants and shrubs also reduce noise. Televisions and smartphones can be silenced so that their continuous ringing and disruptive "pings" are at a minimum. Noise cancelling earphones can be used while travelling or if you work with loud machinery.
Noise pollution was less before automation and digitalisation. Despite this, Indians in the last century spent time in silent meditation. Today, it might be difficult to find a silent space, but, by using earplugs or noise cancelling earphones, it is possible. Ten minutes of silent meditation, especially if combined with deep breathing (20 times) three or four times a day, will do wonders to negate the impact of our noisy society.
Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician and author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. Mail your questions to yourhealthgm@ yahoo.co.in
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