Dhol, DJ and Ganpati processions: How much noise is too much for your ears?

Ganpati processions are known for their music, dancing and celebrations, with loud dhols, DJ music, loudspeakers and sometimes firecrackers becoming a major part of the festivities. While these sounds add to the excitement, spending several hours in a very noisy environment can put considerable stress on the ears.

The risk does not depend only on how loud the sound is. The distance from the sound source and the amount of time a person spends around it also matter. Someone standing directly next to a DJ speaker or a group of dhol players can be exposed to much higher sound levels than someone standing farther away.

Dr KVSSRK Sastry, Consultant Endoscopic ENT Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said people should pay attention to changes in their hearing after being exposed to loud sounds. Temporary ringing, buzzing or muffled hearing can be early signs that the ears have been exposed to excessive noise.RINGING IN THE EARS CAN BE AN EARLY WARNING SIGN

One of the common symptoms after exposure to loud music or other intense sounds is temporary ringing or buzzing in the ears. Some people may also feel that their hearing has become muffled or that sounds are not as clear as they normally are.

These symptoms may improve after a person moves away from the noisy environment. However, they indicate that the ears have been exposed to more noise than they are comfortable with.

If such symptoms occur frequently after attending processions, concerts or other loud events, they should not simply be ignored.

The inner ear contains tiny sensory hair cells that play an important role in hearing. Repeated exposure to very loud sounds can damage these delicate cells.

Once permanently damaged, these sensory cells do not naturally regenerate. Continued exposure to loud noise can therefore contribute to noise induced hearing loss and persistent tinnitus, where a person continues to hear ringing or buzzing even when there is no external sound.

Hearing loss can be partial or complete, and it may be temporary or permanent. If hearing problems are not assessed and treated at the earliest when medical intervention is needed, the condition may become more difficult to manage.DISTANCE FROM THE SOUND SOURCE MATTERS

People do not have to avoid Ganpati celebrations to protect their hearing. One of the simplest precautions is to maintain a safe distance from the loudest sources of sound.

Dr Sastry advised people to avoid standing too close to DJ speakers, dhol groups and large loudspeakers. The closer a person is to the source, the greater the intensity of sound reaching the ears.

People who remain part of a procession for several hours should also take regular breaks. Moving to a quieter area allows the ears to get a break from continuous loud noise.CHILDREN NEED EXTRA PROTECTION

Children can also be vulnerable to loud sounds during festive celebrations. Parents should avoid keeping children close to DJs, large speakers, dhol groups or firecrackers for long periods.

For particularly loud events, earplugs or other suitable hearing protection can provide additional protection. Parents should also watch for signs such as children complaining that sounds are unclear, experiencing ringing in their ears or showing discomfort after prolonged exposure to noise.DO NOT IGNORE PERSISTENT HEARING PROBLEMS

Ringing or muffled hearing immediately after exposure to loud noise may improve after leaving the environment. But if the symptoms continue, they should not be dismissed as a normal reaction to the noise.

According to Dr Sastry, people should seek help from an ENT specialist if they continue to experience ringing, muffled hearing, ear pain or a feeling of blocked ears after leaving a noisy environment.

The message is not to stay away from celebrations, but to reduce unnecessary exposure to extremely loud sounds. Keeping a safe distance from speakers and dhols, taking breaks in quieter areas and using appropriate hearing protection when required can help people enjoy Ganpati celebrations while also protecting their hearing.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 10:04 IST