Hearing impairment ranges from being “hard of hearing” to complete deafness. Ear ailments can arise from several factors: tinnitus, where strange bell-like sounds assail the ear; vertigo, which causes a spinning sensation that makes it impossible to stand; severe headaches; inflammation and discharge from the middle ear; Alzheimer’s disease; neurological conditions such as stroke and brain tumours; and even the side effects of certain drugs or treatments such as chemotherapy.

However, all these various factors that could lead to hearing loss are dwarfed by noise pollution or excessive noise exposure. This article will, therefore, focus on noise pollution, as it is by far the most significant and overarching cause of hearing impairment.

Sounds are measured in decibels. The ear can typically tolerate 70 to 80 decibels without experiencing adverse effects. Beyond 80 decibels, the ear may begin to experience pain, and at 140 decibels, deafness can start to manifest.

Our modern world is engulfed in human-generated sounds, particularly in urbanised societies. Many of these sounds exceed 100 decibels, putting hearing at risk. Examples of such noise polluters include:
· Modern industrial machines
· Noise generated by entertainment and youth parties with amplified music
· Public transport playing loud music
· Late-night celebrations disturbing otherwise quiet neighbourhoods
· Motorcycles where noise-controlling mechanisms have been removed
· Bars and heavy construction sites

These and other sources of noise pollution contribute significantly to hearing impairment among large segments of the population.

Hearing impairment and deafness have severe emotional and social consequences, reducing the overall quality of life. They can lead to:
· Depression
· Anger
· Feelings of irretrievable failure
· Withdrawal from social life

Sufferers often isolate themselves because they struggle to communicate in social gatherings. This can make it difficult to sustain employment or secure new job opportunities.
Until the early 20th century, little help or relief was available for sufferers, who were often ridiculed and isolated, especially among the working class. Among the middle class, there was slightly more understanding, as many were familiar with stories of deaf individuals who had made significant contributions to society, such as Ludwig van Beethoven.

Before the 1930s, medical treatment was limited to removing wax from the ear and using ear funnels. However, after World War II, the Department of Health was able to recruit Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists from overseas, who introduced modern treatments.

In addition to advancements in medical treatments—including modern hearing aids and a wider range of medications—the issue of hearing loss is now being addressed from a societal standpoint rather than just a medical one. Several key institutions are involved in this effort:
· The Ministry of Health
· The Ministry of Education
· The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
· The Presidential Commission for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (PCPND)

In addition to its role in regulating noise pollution in industries such as mining, the EPA has been particularly focused on controlling noise from construction sites, given the current boom in the construction industry. The agency also trains the police in the academic aspects of noise pollution, such as the concept of decibels, to improve the effectiveness of their enforcement activities.

The Ministry of Health has begun screening babies for hearing deficiencies so that early treatment can be administered, increasing the chances of successful intervention. Alongside the Ministry of Education, they have been testing the eyesight and hearing of schoolchildren, providing them with prescribed spectacles, hearing aids, and necessary medications. This programme is ongoing.

The police are responsible for controlling excessive noise in public places, including:
· Loud music on public transport
· Noisy bars and parties
· Individuals playing loud music in normally quiet neighbourhoods

However, enforcement remains a challenge, as perpetrators often lower or turn off their noise-making devices when police approach, only to resume once they leave.
Public authorities recognise that noise pollution can only be effectively controlled or eliminated through a shift in cultural attitudes. This is why education and awareness efforts are being prioritised in schools and through public campaigns.

Ultimately, tackling noise pollution is not just a legal or regulatory issue—it requires collective responsibility from individuals, communities, and institutions to ensure a healthier and quieter environment for all.