Personal listening devices can hit 110 decibels: study flags hearing risk for Bengaluru’s young commuters

An internal study conducted between 2020 and 2025 found that continuous exposure above 85 decibels can damage hearing over time, while personal listening devices used by commuters may reach 100 to 110 decibels, making unsafe listening habits particularly dangerous, according to Teja Deepak Desai, associate professor at Dr. SR Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing.

According to Desai, prolonged exposure to loud sound is also associated with anxiety, stress, fatigue, sleep disorders and increased cardiovascular risk, alongside hearing damage itself. The findings come as doctors across Bengaluru report a rise in noise-related complaints tied to the city’s traffic, where commuters are routinely exposed to sound levels of 70 to 100 decibels during peak hours.

ENT specialists say many commuters raise headphone volume to overcome traffic noise, a habit that damages the delicate hair cells inside the inner ear over time. Unlike other body tissues, these cells do not regenerate, meaning the damage can result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and reduced hearing quality. Young professionals and students are considered especially vulnerable because of prolonged commuting and frequent headphone use.

Warning signs of noise-induced hearing loss, which develops gradually, include persistent ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing conversations, muffled hearing, ear fullness, poor concentration, irritability and frequent headaches. Left untreated, these symptoms may progress to permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Experts recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to loud environments, wearing earplugs when appropriate, following the 60/60 rule of listening below 60% volume for less than 60 minutes, treating ear infections promptly, and getting regular hearing tests for those frequently exposed to traffic noise.