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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: <\/span>Noise pollution has emerged as a serious health concern in Delhi, with DJs and loudspeakers on slow-moving vehicles during religious processions exposing residents and commuters to prolonged bursts of high-volume sound.ENT specialists warn that repeated or intense exposure to such loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and other health problems, with the risk depending on the volume, duration and frequency of exposure.\u201cUncontrolled exposure is a major environmental driver of systemic diseases. Beyond direct auditory injury, loud sound acts as a potent physical stressor,\u201d said Dr WVBS Ramalingam, vice-chairman and head of department, ENT & cochlear implant, at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi.He said prolonged exposure can damage the delicate hair cells of the inner ear, causing noise-induced temporary or permanent hearing loss, while very high-intensity sound can cause acute acoustic trauma, including eardrum perforation and damage to the middle ear.According to Dr Atul Mittal, chairman, ENT, at Fortis Gurgaon, the damage may begin with seemingly temporary symptoms. \u201cA patient may develop tinnitus, muffled or blocked hearing and have difficulty understanding speech,\u201d he said, adding that persistent exposure to loud noise can also disturb sleep, increase stress and irritability, affect concentration and contribute to cardiovascular problems.The doctors said repeated exposure to loud music, the sound of traffic or machinery can cause permanent hearing loss even when the damage is not immediately noticeable.\u201cLoud noise can affect both hearing and overall health,\u201d Dr Rohit Saxena, senior consultant, ENT, ShardaCare-HealthCity, said, adding that persistent ringing, severe ear pain, dizziness or hearing that remains muffled after exposure warrant medical evaluation.The doctors said that the absence of immediate symptoms does not mean one\u2019s ears are safe. Dr Amitabh Malik, chief and head of department, ENT, at Paras Health Gurgaon, said noise-induced hearing loss can develop silently. \u201cThis makes it alarming. A person can be unaware of substantial changes that have already taken place,\u201d he said.Dr Malik advised people to seek an ENT consultation after sudden hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, a feeling of pressure or fullness, or difficulty understanding speech following exposure to loud noise. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires prompt medical attention, he added.Sound pollution has assumed a significant dimension in Delhi. In 2024, of the total 43,624 complaints related to loud noise received by police, 35,377 involved loudspeakers and DJs. Over 29,000 complaints were received between 10pm and 6am.The prescribed noise limit in residential areas is 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. Loudspeakers, DJs and amplifiers require written permission and are generally prohibited late at night, subject to specified exceptions.Delhi Pollution Control Committee\u2019s noise-pollution standard operating procedures provide for monitoring of complaints and enforcement action, including seizure of noise-generating equipment when violations are established.<\/div>\n