Level of noise pollution in Bangalore is alarming

Hear this one out. The decibel levels at busy junctions in the city are something like this—around 105 decibels in MG Road, 110 decibels in Kempegowda bus stand, 100 decibels in Majestic railway station and 105 decibels in Marathahalli junction.

The permissible levels, however, remain at 60-70 decibels. And on a ‘No-Honking Day’, not many Bangaloreans seem to be bothered to keep things quieter. However, audiologists and ENT specialists from the city assert that increasing decibel levels are indeed a cause for worry.

“Exposure to around 90 decibels for about six hours a day can result in permanent irreversible hearing loss and at 110 decibels, the eardrum can also rupture. Anyone who listens to loud music or is exposed to loud noise on a regular basis should have his/her hearing assessment done periodically because hearing loss can be cumulative, gradual and symptomless,” said G Krishnakumar, audiologist and director at Rajan Speech and Hearing Centre.

Exposure to noise pollution can lead to temporary threshold shift in hearing or a permanent damage. In many cases, noise pollution makes an individual irritable and a victim of decreased perception of sound, said Dr Kumareesh Krishnamurthy, senior consultant, ENT, Apollo Hospital. “The need of the hour is to educate drivers on when not to honk and on how to reduce sound pollution. Also, the traffic police need to take the issue seriously and book cases against those who honk unnecessarily,” he said.