The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken a proactive step in releasing a crucial list of safety measures to combat ear-related diseases. This significant initiative serves to raise awareness about the importance of ear health and the preventive steps individuals can take to protect their hearing.
The official communication from the PCMC’s X handle underscores the critical role ears play in our daily lives as vital sense organs. However, the rising problem of deafness, exacerbated by a lack of proper care, has prompted the need for increased attention to ear health.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), an alarming 5% of the global population, translating to 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address disabling hearing loss. This includes 432 million adults and 34 million children. It is projected that by 2050, over 700 million individuals, equivalent to 1 in 10 people, will suffer from disabling hearing loss.
Disabling hearing loss, as defined by WHO, pertains to hearing loss exceeding 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. Disturbingly, almost 80% of those affected by disabling hearing loss reside in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hearing loss intensifies with age, with over 25% of those aged 60 years and older grappling with disabling hearing loss.
A concerning trend has emerged in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad in terms of noise pollution, notably during the Dahi Handi and Ganapati festivals in 2023. Numerous cases were reported, including 181 Punekars filing complaints of noise pollution during Dahi Handi, noise levels surging beyond 100 decibels during the same festival, and citizens initiating petitions against noise pollution during Ganeshotsav.
In response to these escalating concerns, the PCMC strongly encourages citizens to adhere to the following precautions to safeguard against ear diseases and hearing loss:
- Avoid Ear Insertion: Never insert foreign objects into the ears, as it can lead to injury or infection.
- Handle Ears Gently: Exercise care when dealing with children, seniors, or anyone’s ears to prevent accidental harm.
- Prevent Contaminated Water Entry: Take precautions to ensure that dirty or contaminated water does not enter the ears, which can result in infections.
- Timely Medical Consultation: Seek immediate medical attention in case of ear problems or hearing loss to diagnose and address issues promptly.
- Guard Against Loud Noises: Protect your ears from harsh sounds and loud noises, especially in environments prone to excessive noise pollution.
