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 severe hearing issues on Wednesday alone. They had participated in processions featuring loud music and dhol-tasha performances. "Three of the patients were young adults who experienced near-total hearing loss after attending the processions.
They could only comprehend speech by reading lip movements," he said. While two of the younger patients showed signs of recovery by Thursday, the incident highlights a growing concern about noise-induced hearing damage during festivals. "The surge in cases this year appears to be higher than previous celebrations.
The volume seemed to be louder this time, exceeding 120-130 decibels in some instances," Gosavi added. ENT specialists said patients have complained of various symptoms — including temporary hearing loss and tinnitus. They said that in some cases, damage could be permanent.
ENT surgeon Dr Virendra Ghaisas reported two new cases of partial hearing loss on the day following the festival's conclusion. "The two patients experienced partial hearing loss. They had participated in festival processions, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds.
" The patients, one around 30 years and another around 60, sought medical attention after noticing sudden hearing loss and tinnitus on waking up the morning after attending the processions. "We conducted audiometry tests and initiated treatment, hoping for recovery within 10 days. One patient showed approximately 80% hearing loss, while the other experienced about 60% impairment.
There is a correlation between exposure duration and severity of damage. If there's exposure to a 90-decibel sound for just 10 seconds and you protect your ears immediately, you may avoid hearing loss. However, standing in that position for a longer time is likely to cause hearing impairment," he explained.
Dr Smitha Chouta, consultant and ENT Surgeon, Surya Hospital, Wakad, said, "It seems that in some areas, the festival noise was too loud. Patients have been coming with complaints of tinnitus, ear discomfort and high frequency hearing loss. Very rarely but it may also cause permanent hearing loss.
".
