KOCHI: Even as noise pollution is described as 'modern plague' by a section of medical experts across the globe, a large number of people in the state is still unaware of the health hazards it poses. As the State observes World Deaf Day on Monday, medical experts and activists who campaign for a 'safe sound' environment feel that policy makers should initiate proactive measures to counter noise menace. Sound pollution has reached alarming levels, says Dr. John Panicker, an ENT specialist based in Thiruvananthapuram and a member of the National Initiative for Safe Sound: "A large section of people are unaware of the health hazards posed by noise pollution. Many persons still consider it as a social hazard."
The intensity of the sound level is measured in decibels. A normal conversation between two individuals is around 40 decibels. The noise above 80 decibels is a health hazard and a constant exposure to such levels would lead to permanent impairment to the hearing. According to Dr. Panicker, the decibel levels in our environment have exceeded this level. Automobiles and public address systems are the two major sources of the noise pollution. In most Indian cities, noise levels emanating from automobiles are in the range of 90 to 120 decibels.
The places of worship cutting across religious barriers are another major source of sound pollution. "The smaller the place of worship the louder the noise seems to be the norm nowadays", he pointed out. Although the use of loud speakers is banned between10 PM and 6 AM, in many places the restrictions are violated with impunity. The number of children with hearing problems is rising alarmingly. Use of electronic gadgets such as headphones add to this depressing situation, says Mr. Panicker: "In my experience of four decades as an ENT specialist, I've seen a sharp increase of children with hearing problems in the past 10-15 years. Noise pollution is as hazardous as water and air pollutions and it is high time for the society to tackle this menace seriously, Dr. John Panicker says.
Sruthitharangam is ready to help
The Sruthitharangam (Cochlear Implantation Scheme), a unique initiative launched by the Kerala government in 2003 to tackle hearing loss amongst children, is intended to provide financial assistance for cochlear implant procedures for children aged 0-5 years. On March 3, 2016, the second decade of neo-natal hearing screening programme of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), was launched. So far, the Sruthitharangam project has helped 610 children of which at 150 were treated at Kozhikode Medical College, with 30 more recipients on the list to be cleared soon. Under the total government spending of Rs 35-40 crore, these children have been given a chance at living a normal life, thanks to cochlear implants.
“Early identification of deafness is important. We have faculties to identify whether the child is deaf on the first day of birth itself. This facility is available up to taluk hospitals in the state. If no rehabilitation is done up to five years using hearing aids and speech therapy, the part of the brain concerned with hearing will not get stimulated even if one does surgery,” said Dr. P Muraleedharan Nampoothiri, Head of the Department of Calicut Medical College. Dr. Muneer also launched the pilot project of mobile therapy intervention unit in Kozhikode to provide follow up therapy treatment to children. The then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who took active interest in the project said: “It was out of reach for the poor as one surgery would cost '5 lakh. We supported 100 such surgeries for poor kids and all of them were a success.” Children with an annual income of less than Rs 2 lakh are covered under the programme.
