Hearing loss can be prevented by reducing noise pollution: Environment Advisor, Bangladesh

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a leading environmentalist and advisor in Bangladesh’s Interim Government, in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bangladesh, and the Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR), Bangladesh, said,

“It is possible to reduce the risk of hearing loss by preventing noise pollution and increasing awareness. For this, we need to change our mindset and refrain from creating unnecessary noise.”

She said this at a discussion meeting organized at the “Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Cancer Hospital and Institute, Dhaka,” on 13 March.

The advisor stated that hearing health is crucial for both personal and public health. Noise pollution is one of the causes of hearing loss.

‘Hearing problems are on the rise because of loud vehicle horns, industrial noise, and the excessive use of microphones in cities. The government is taking various initiatives to control noise pollution, but citizens also need to be aware,’ she added.

She also said, ‘It is important to stop honking, stop creating unnecessary noise in daily activities including social events.’ In addition, expert speakers at the meeting emphasised regular health check-ups, noise pollution control and awareness raising to reduce hearing problems.

Chaired by Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury, President and former Secretary of ENT and Head-Neck Cancer Hospital and Institute, the program was also addressed by the  Foundation Vice President Professor Dr Jahanara Alauddin, Member Secretary Kamrul Hasan Tarafdar, Bangladesh ENT Hospital Professor Muhammad Abdullah, Uttara Modern Hospital Professor Dr. Firoz Ahmed Khan and the hospital’s Senior Consultant Dr. Ali Imam.