World Hearing Day 2025: Raising awareness on noise-induced hearing loss

On the occasion of World Hearing Day, audiologists from STNM Hospital, Gangtok, have emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about the adverse effects of everyday noise exposure on hearing health. With the rising use of personal listening devices and increasing noise pollution, hearing loss has become a growing concern worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.1% of the global population suffers from disabling hearing loss, making it the most common sensory deficit in humans. Among the different types of hearing loss, Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is now a major global issue, ranking as the second leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss after age-related hearing decline.

NIHL occurs due to prolonged or excessive exposure to loud noise, which can be classified into occupational and recreational sources. While workplace noise hazards—such as gunfire exposure, factory machinery, and traffic noise—pose significant risks, recreational noise exposure is now more prevalent due to the increased use of smartphones, headphones, and speakers.

Audiologists have reported an alarming rise in patients experiencing tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, hearing high-pitched sounds, dizziness, and reduced overall hearing capacity. The younger generation, in particular, is at higher risk due to excessive reliance on earphones, AirPods, and loud music.

Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Experts stress that noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable if the right precautions are taken. Essential measures include:

✔ Identifying and limiting exposure to loud noise sources

✔ Using ear protective devices, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones

✔ Lowering the volume of personal listening devices and following the 60/60 rule (listening at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time)

✔ Seeking professional hearing evaluations if experiencing early symptoms of hearing loss

In observance of World Hearing Day 2025, audiologists from STNM Hospital’s Audiology and Speech Therapy Unit, Department of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery, Sochakgang, are offering free diagnostic hearing assessments. They encourage individuals to prioritize their hearing health and seek timely evaluation, ensuring that hearing care becomes a reality for all.