Prolonged, excessive exposure to loud music can lead to early hearing loss: AIIMS experts

NEW DELHI: (Mar 2) Prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and sounds through loudspeakers, headphones and other personal audio devices can lead to early and irreparable hearing loss, experts at AIIMS-Delhi said on Monday.

Speaking on the eve of World Hearing Day, Dr Kapil Sikka, professor of ENT at AIIMS-Delhi, said that a decline in hearing ability caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds often develops slowly, which is why many people fail to notice it in the early stages. He emphasised that such damage is irreparable but preventable.

Dr Rakesh Kumar, head of the Department of ENT, said that to prevent hearing loss, personal audio devices should be used at a volume of less than 60 per cent of the maximum limit, and a break should be taken for about 60 minutes.