Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion is now taking a serious toll on residents' hearing health. Constant exposure to high noise levels, often ranging between 70 and 100 decibels (dB), is increasingly linked to hearing-related ailments across all age groups.
Doctors Highlight the Hidden Danger
Dr Jyotirmay S Hegde, HOD and lead consultant of ENT at Aster Whitefield Hospital, explained that traffic noise routinely exceeds safe limits. Monitoring data shows levels often cross 60-70 dB in residential and commercial zones, with even higher peaks in traffic corridors. "When the level exceeds 70 dB, there is a possibility of hearing impairment," he said. Continuous exposure is a bigger concern, as people are constantly exposed during commutes, from honking, and while living near busy roads. Studies indicate that the risk of tinnitus increases with every 10 dB rise in traffic noise.
Early Symptoms Often Overlooked
Doctors note that chronic noise exposure develops slowly, making early detection difficult. The first sign is typically tinnitus — a persistent ringing in the ears. This is followed by difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience muffled hearing or a blocked ear sensation, which can develop into mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Non-auditory symptoms such as headaches, irritability, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, ear discomfort, and heightened sensitivity to sound are also increasingly reported.
Earphone Use Worsens the Problem
Beyond vehicular noise, doctors point to another growing risk: prolonged use of earphones during commutes. Dr Shantanu Tandon, senior consultant of ENT at Sakra World Hospital, said people tend to increase volume to block out traffic noise, damaging delicate hair cells in the inner ear permanently. This leads to tinnitus, reduced hearing clarity, and early sensorineural hearing loss, particularly affecting young adults.
Weak Enforcement of Noise Regulations
Dr Jisha K, consultant ENT at Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli, noted that despite strict laws on honking and noise levels, enforcement is weak. Actual noise far exceeds permissible limits. "Weak enforcement of noise regulations and the city's dense traffic culture make the problem worse, putting silence zones like schools and hospitals at risk. Unchecked traffic noise is steadily eroding Bengaluru's auditory health and overall well-being," she said.
Hearing Loss Now Affecting the Young
Experts warn that hearing loss, once associated with aging, is now seen among children, teenagers, and young adults. Teja Deepak Desai, associate professor at Dr SR Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, said irreversible sensorineural hearing loss is appearing at an alarming rate due to unsafe listening habits. An internal study conducted between 2020 and 2025 found that sounds above 85 dBA — about the level of heavy traffic — can damage hearing with prolonged exposure. Personal listening devices can reach 100-110 dB, unsafe even for short durations. Damage builds up gradually, making early detection difficult.
Prevention Tips from Experts
Doctors stress that prevention is simple and effective. Dr Hegde advised minimizing exposure: use earplugs in high-noise areas, avoid zones with excessive honking, and limit time in heavy traffic. Dr Tandon recommended the 60/60 rule — listen at less than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. He also urged ear protection in noisy workplaces, early treatment of ear infections, management of conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and regular hearing check-ups.
