Experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS) have cautioned that prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and high-decibel sounds from loudspeakers, headphones, and personal audio devices can cause early and irreversible hearing loss.
Speaking on the eve of World Hearing Day, Dr. Kapil Sikka, Professor of ENT at AIIMS, explained that noise-induced hearing loss often develops gradually. Consequently, many individuals fail to notice the damage in its early stages. However, once it occurs, the damage remains permanent—though it is largely preventable.
Safe Listening Practices to Prevent Damage
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Head of the Department of ENT, advised that individuals should use personal audio devices at less than 60% of the maximum volume. Additionally, they should take a break after approximately 60 minutes of listening.
He emphasised that as noise levels increase, exposure duration must decrease. This approach helps prevent cumulative hearing damage and reduces the long-term burden of hearing loss.
Dr. Poonam Sagar, Assistant Professor of ENT, further stressed the need to raise awareness about preventable causes such as recreational loud activities and excessive use of personal listening devices. She noted that targeted education, especially among youth, can significantly reduce the growing incidence of noise-induced hearing loss.
Special Focus on Children and Early Screening
Beyond adult exposure, AIIMS doctors highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention in children. Dr. Kumar underscored that early screening enables timely treatment and improves long-term outcomes.
He pointed out that AIIMS currently implements universal neonatal hearing screening, ensuring early identification of hearing impairment in newborns. Furthermore, he stressed that school-going children with hearing loss require strong peer and societal support to foster inclusive development.
Advances in Hearing Rehabilitation
Dr. Sikka emphasised that babies diagnosed with profound hearing loss can often benefit from cochlear implants. In more complex cases involving nerve deafness, advanced solutions such as auditory brainstem implants have expanded the scope of hearing restoration.
Through these technological advancements, doctors can now offer improved rehabilitation and better speech and language development outcomes for affected children.
World Hearing Day Theme: Care for Every Child
This year’s World Hearing Day theme, “From Communities to Classrooms – Hearing Care for All Children,” highlights the critical importance of early detection and timely intervention. Early identification ensures that children develop speech, language, and learning abilities to their full potential.
If left undetected, childhood hearing impairment can negatively affect communication skills, academic performance, and overall psychosocial development.
AIIMS’ Comprehensive Hearing Care Programme
AIIMS continues to strengthen its comprehensive hearing healthcare services through structured newborn screening programmes, advanced diagnostic facilities, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
As reported by NDTV, the institute provides state-of-the-art cochlear implant services for children with severe to profound hearing loss. In addition, dedicated speech and language therapy programmes support optimal auditory and verbal development.
Through preventive awareness, early screening, and advanced treatment options, AIIMS aims to reduce the long-term burden of hearing loss and promote healthier hearing practices across communities.