35% traffic cops suffer from mild hearing loss: Survey | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Over 35% of traffic police personnel in Bhubaneswar are experiencing mild hearing loss due to constant exposure to horn sounds and road traffic noise, as revealed by experts.
On Monday, commissionerate police, alongwith NIRTAR (Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research), conducted hearing ability assessments for traffic officers using audiometer and ear endoscopy equipment on the occasion of World Hearing Day.
“Out of around 250 personnel who underwent the test, at least 90 of them were found to be suffering from mild hearing loss. Audiometric thresholds ranging from 0 to 15 decibels (dB) constitute normal hearing with no negative symptoms. In cases of mild hearing loss, the personnel were found hearing sounds of different frequencies in the range of 26 to 40 dB. This means they are facing difficulty hearing and understanding quiet or soft conversations,” said Satyabrata Panigrahi, a lecturer of NIRTAR’s speech and hearing department.
Noise pollution at traffic posts can also trigger heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health issues, according to the expert. NIRTAR professionals recommended preventive measures, including ear plug usage to block out loud noise. They cautioned against using earphones at high volume and advised regular ENT consultations to prevent worsening of hearing conditions.
“I joined just two years ago and I started facing minimal hearing loss. Those who have been manning busy traffic posts for the last six to seven years have developed mild hearing loss. I will follow the doctor’s advice and use ear plugs and cotton,” said a traffic constable.
Road safety campaigner Sampad Hota suggests establishing ‘silence or no-honking zones’. “Excessive honking and silencer modifications affect both health and road safety, diminishing the effectiveness of horns as emergency warning signals. Implementation of awareness programmes and enforcement activities are essential, similar to existing campaigns for drunk driving, seatbelt, helmet, and mobile phone violations,” Hota said.
On Oct 4, 2024, two officers were injured in Mancheswar while intervening in a honking-related dispute. The Odisha Urban Police Act limits horn noise to 65 decibels, yet many vehicles exceed this limit. The motor vehicle regulations specify electric horns for minimal alerts, prohibiting pressure and multi-toned variants.
“It is necessary to have a reasonable sound level for horns. Use of it should be restricted to the minimum. Horns should be used only when required. We often see drivers or bikers honking indiscreetly at red signals where all vehicles remain in stationary mode,” said Asish Rath, a banker.
Environmental protection rules from 1986 set motorcycle noise limits at 80 decibels. However, modified silencers, particularly among students, produce up to 130 decibels. Violations can incur fines up to Rs 10,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Police authorities confirm that vehicle modifications violate manufacturing specifications. “Any alteration of the factory model is a violation of the MV Act. Youths alter the silencers to produce a thumping sound. Garages usually charge around Rs 2,500 to modify the exhaust systems of bikes,” a police officer said.
On Monday, commissionerate police, alongwith NIRTAR (Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research), conducted hearing ability assessments for traffic officers using audiometer and ear endoscopy equipment on the occasion of World Hearing Day.
“Out of around 250 personnel who underwent the test, at least 90 of them were found to be suffering from mild hearing loss. Audiometric thresholds ranging from 0 to 15 decibels (dB) constitute normal hearing with no negative symptoms. In cases of mild hearing loss, the personnel were found hearing sounds of different frequencies in the range of 26 to 40 dB. This means they are facing difficulty hearing and understanding quiet or soft conversations,” said Satyabrata Panigrahi, a lecturer of NIRTAR’s speech and hearing department.
Noise pollution at traffic posts can also trigger heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health issues, according to the expert. NIRTAR professionals recommended preventive measures, including ear plug usage to block out loud noise. They cautioned against using earphones at high volume and advised regular ENT consultations to prevent worsening of hearing conditions.
“I joined just two years ago and I started facing minimal hearing loss. Those who have been manning busy traffic posts for the last six to seven years have developed mild hearing loss. I will follow the doctor’s advice and use ear plugs and cotton,” said a traffic constable.
Road safety campaigner Sampad Hota suggests establishing ‘silence or no-honking zones’. “Excessive honking and silencer modifications affect both health and road safety, diminishing the effectiveness of horns as emergency warning signals. Implementation of awareness programmes and enforcement activities are essential, similar to existing campaigns for drunk driving, seatbelt, helmet, and mobile phone violations,” Hota said.
On Oct 4, 2024, two officers were injured in Mancheswar while intervening in a honking-related dispute. The Odisha Urban Police Act limits horn noise to 65 decibels, yet many vehicles exceed this limit. The motor vehicle regulations specify electric horns for minimal alerts, prohibiting pressure and multi-toned variants.
“It is necessary to have a reasonable sound level for horns. Use of it should be restricted to the minimum. Horns should be used only when required. We often see drivers or bikers honking indiscreetly at red signals where all vehicles remain in stationary mode,” said Asish Rath, a banker.
Environmental protection rules from 1986 set motorcycle noise limits at 80 decibels. However, modified silencers, particularly among students, produce up to 130 decibels. Violations can incur fines up to Rs 10,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Police authorities confirm that vehicle modifications violate manufacturing specifications. “Any alteration of the factory model is a violation of the MV Act. Youths alter the silencers to produce a thumping sound. Garages usually charge around Rs 2,500 to modify the exhaust systems of bikes,” a police officer said.
