Noise pollution must be controlled to safeguard hearing health: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized the urgent need to change societal attitudes toward noise pollution, stating that reducing unnecessary noise can play a crucial role in preventing hearing loss.  

"Hearing health is not just an individual concern but also a significant environmental and public health issue," she said while speaking at a discussion held on Monday at the ENT and Head-Neck Cancer Hospital & Institute in Agargaon to mark World Hearing Day 2025. The theme for this year is "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself."  

Rizwana Hasan highlighted that excessive noise from vehicle horns, industrial activities, and loudspeakers, especially in urban areas, is a major contributor to hearing impairment. While the government has taken steps to curb noise pollution, she stressed that public awareness and responsible behavior are equally essential.  

"We need to stop unnecessary honking and loud noise at social gatherings and in our daily activities," she urged.  
The discussion was presided over by Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury, President of the ENT and Head-Neck Cancer Hospital & Institute and a former secretary. Other notable speakers included Prof. Dr. Jahanara Alauddin, Vice President of the Foundation; Kamrul Hasan Torofdar, Member Secretary; Prof. Muhammad Abdullah of Bangladesh ENT Hospital; Prof. Dr. Firoz Ahmed Khan of Uttara Modern Hospital; and Senior Consultant Dr. Ali Imam.  

Experts at the event stressed the importance of regular health check-ups, noise control measures, and awareness campaigns to combat hearing-related problems.  

Before the discussion, a vibrant rally was organized to commemorate the occasion, according to a press release.