Noise Pollution and Associated Hearing Loss in a Metropolitan City-a Preliminary Report

To measure the amount of noise produced in busy parts of a metropolitan and also to assess the audiological status of the civilians exposed to such noise. Cross-sectional study for one year between June 2017 and May 2018 was conducted. Noise was measured in four busy parts of an urban city with a digital sound level meter. People involved in various occupations in the busy parts for more than one year within the age range of 15-45 years were included. Maximum noise level recorded was 106.4 dBA in Koyembedu. Average noise was around 70-85 dBA in Chennai. Totally 100 people were subjected to audiological assessment (69 Males; 31 Females). Among them 93% had hearing loss. Hearing loss was almost equal both in sexes. Sensory hearing loss was the major type (83%). All areas were almost equally affected with maximum (100%) being affected in Annanagar and Koyembedu. The right ear was more affected than the left. All age groups were affected among which the working age group (36-45) years was most affected. The unskilled occupation group was most affected (100%). There was a positive relation between noise levels and hearing loss. Duration of exposure did not have positive correlation with hearing loss. Noise pollution and its induced hearing loss was more prevalent and increased in all four areas. As hearing loss due to noise pollution is predominant as observed in the study, awareness about noise pollution and its effects among the community is a necessity.