Srinagar, Sep 25 (KNO): Doctors in Kashmir have advised people to reduce their noise exposure, avoid taking medications without consulting a doctor, and maintain good cardiovascular health to protect their hearing.
Dr Murtaza Ahmad, an ENT specialist, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that hearing loss is becoming increasingly common due to lifestyle-related factors. “The most important risk factor today is noise. Lowering your exposure to loud sounds significantly reduces the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). No matter your age or hearing status, it is always wise to protect your ears when exposed to high noise levels,” he said.
He cautioned that certain medications are also harmful to hearing. “Hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription drugs are linked to permanent hearing damage. These ototoxic drugs must not be taken without consulting an expert,” he said.
Dr Ahmad further highlighted the importance of heart health. “Raised blood pressure, cardiac disease, and high cholesterol can damage the vascular mechanisms inside the ear. People with diabetes are also twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and heavy drinking worsen the risks,” he noted.
Dr Saima, another ENT specialist, said exercise and diet play a vital role in protecting hearing. “Exercise improves blood circulation, which benefits the ear. Similarly, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals like B12, potassium, magnesium, and iron supports hearing health,” she explained.
She added that hearing loss can also have a genetic predisposition. “Early detection is key to reducing the negative impacts such as depression and social isolation,” she said.
Another ENT specialist from GMC Srinagar pointed out the common signs of hearing loss, which include muffled speech, difficulty understanding conversations in crowded places, and frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
He explained that ageing and prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the tiny hair cells in the cochlea that transmit sound signals to the brain. “Once these cells are damaged or lost, the transmission of electrical signals weakens, leading to hearing loss,” he said.
Other causes include earwax blockage, middle ear infections, sudden pressure changes, or eardrum rupture due to injury. “In such cases, timely treatment can restore hearing,” he added.
Notably, World Deaf Day is observed on the last Sunday of September every year to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community and to highlight the importance of sign language as a vital means of communication—(KNO)