Noise pollution threatens hearing abilities: Dhaka’s deafening dilemma

Noman Mosharef :
Noise pollution in Dhaka has surpassed tolerable levels across all scales, silently affecting people’s hearing abilities as the city holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest noise pollution among the 61 most populous cities worldwide.

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the average noise frequency in Dhaka currently stands at 119 decibels, which is more than double the tolerable standard.

Following closely behind Dhaka, Rajshahi ranks fourth globally with 103 decibels, trailing only Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Approximately seventy-five percent of the noise pollution in Dhaka emanates from vehicular sources.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 5 percent of the global population faces various health hazards due to complications related to noise pollution.

A study conducted by the Department of Environment (DoE) found that approximately 11.7 percent of Bangladesh’s population has experienced hearing loss due to noise pollution.

Surveys conducted in sensitive areas such as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Curzon Hall (Dhaka University), Motijheel area, Farmgate, Willes Little Flower School and College, Eden Mohila College, Udayan School, Evercare Hospital, and Ramna Park have revealed maximum sound levels of up to 95 decibels (dB).

Despite the Environment Conservation Act and Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, which provide guidelines for operating construction machinery and regulations for infrastructural constructions, construction activities remain one of the primary sources of noise pollution in the capital.

The Noise Pollution Rules of 2006 specify stringent regulations for controlling noise levels, particularly in designated silent areas such as hospitals, educational institutions, offices, and surrounding areas within a 100-meter radius.

During the day, noise levels in these areas should not exceed 50 decibels, while at night the limit is set at 40 decibels.

Exceptions can be granted for social, cultural, or political events with prior permissions, limited to five hours and concluding by 10 PM.

Additionally, Schedule-2 of the Rules delineates a specific range for vehicular noise, with the use of horns in residential areas being outright prohibited.

Hydraulic horns, capable of reaching volumes of up to 120 decibels, pose a significant threat, as exposure to such levels for longer than 60 seconds can result in hearing injuries.

In an attempt to address this issue, the High Court banned the use of hydraulic horns in motor vehicles in 2017.

However, the lack of effective implementation has allowed vehicular horns to become one of the primary contributors to noise pollution in major cities across Bangladesh.

A study conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies at Stamford University uncovered that nearly 30 percent of all vehicles in the capital utilize government-banned hydraulic horns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that sustained exposure to sounds exceeding 60 decibels can lead to temporary deafness, which may progress to permanent deafness if noise levels surpass 100 decibels.

Dr. Firdous Quader, an associate professor specializing in ENT (ears, nose, and throat), emphasized the detrimental effects of chronic exposure to loud noises. She noted that aside from chronic hearing loss, individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, tinnitus, and disrupted sleep patterns.

In a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve of 2021, a Facebook post revealed that Tanzim Umayer, a four-month-old infant suffering from heart disease since birth, succumbed to the loud noise of fireworks.

According to the family’s claims, Tanzim remained restless throughout the night, continuously shaking at the sound of fireworks until his passing.