Pune: A significant rise has been recorded in cases of temporary hearing impairment among citizens due to decibel levels going far beyond permissible limits, especially in Tilak Road and Peth areas, during Ganeshotsav immersion procession said doctors. Senior ENT surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic, Dr Murarji Ghadge told TOI, "I have witnessed a noticeable surge in temporary hearing loss cases following Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. This year, we saw a significant rise in the number of patients from areas like Shivajinagar, Laxmi Road and Kasba Peth.
The localities are known to host some of the largest and loudest Ganesh mandals in Pune. Celebratory processions there involve use of high-decibel loudspeakers and firecrackers as well as the presence of dhol-tasha groups. It is in these densely populated and festive hotspots that we are seeing maximum cases of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
" Ghadge said the hospital had treated over 30 patients since the festival ended. Many people reported symptoms like muffled hearing, tinnitus — a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can last for days or even years, and, in some cases, complete hearing loss. "Patients, especially from areas where sound levels during processions were extreme, are seeking medical attention after realising that auditory issues are persisting long after the celebrations ended," he added.
Dr Nandkishore Gosavi, an ENT specialist at a private clinic in Hadapsar, reported receiving four patients with s.