Using audio devices for long hours? You may be at risk of tinnitus, check Health Ministry advisory

The Union Ministry of Health has recently issued a warning to state governments regarding excessive use of audio devices such as headphones, earphones, and earplugs. It cautions that listening at high volumes may cause hearing impairment, with risks including tinnitus, a persistent ringing sound in the ears. Experts are increasingly concerned about the rising addiction to mobile devices among children.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, the Ministry stressed the importance of reducing the use of personal audio devices, particularly among the younger population. Communication sent to the states underlined that extended exposure to loud sounds can degrade or even irreversibly damage one's hearing ability.

Moreover, the Ministry expressed worries about the impact of excessive screen time, especially from mobile phones. It noted that loud sound effects in online games might cause delays in mental development and contribute to behavioural problems. To safeguard mental health and support effective growth, it advised keeping these distractions to a minimum.

Recommended preventive measures include avoiding the use of wired or Bluetooth audio devices unless necessary, maintaining volume levels below 50 decibels, capping daily usage at two hours, taking regular breaks, and selecting noise-cancelling headphones when use is unavoidable.

“The younger age groups are playing games on mobile phones for hours together. This causes physiological effect on them, hearing loss. Tinnitus is a persistent buzzing or ringing sound in the ears and it is difficult to treat at the very young age,” said Dr Radha Madhav Sahoo, ENT expert.

Moreover, event organisers have also been urged to keep sound levels at venues under 100 decibels. Health experts continue to be concerned that loud sounds from entertainment sources, such as games, cartoons, films, and social media, could adversely affect both hearing and mental health.

“Hearing sounds that makes you aggressive will impair your mental growth. Besides, it causes hearing loss. Children must avoid such things,” said psychiatrist Dr Amrit Pattojoshi.

“As there is no playground or parks nearby, I am left with no option than giving mobile to my child. However, the doctors are advising that mobile phone should not be given to children,” said Monalisa Sethi, a Balasore resident.