Traffic Police

2005

In the modern times we live in noise pollution is all pervading. SAHI under took a study on the effects of noise pollution on Traffic Policemen, who are one of the most vulnerable  groups exposed to this problem. To our surprise 76% of those screened had audiological evidence of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Traffic Policemen who had completed 5 years tenure on the streets had 100% incidence of hearing loss. A small percentage of policemen had hearing loss due to other problems for which surgeries (04), medication and hearing aids (01) were prescribed and carried out. SAHI also gave counseling to Policemen and recommended the police department on possible preventive and contingency measures.

2010

Screening of hearing test for traffic police men is carried out in Apollo Hospital on the International Deaf Day during the month of Sep 2010. Traffic police are at the risk of highest grade of sound pollution. 52 traffic police men varying 6 months to 8-10 years of experience were screened for hearing loss. 63.5% of traffic police men found to be suffering by irreversible hearing loss (Sensorineural hearing loss) in the high frequency due to the exposure of high decibel level of sound pollution. Up to 30% of affected traffic police men were having average of 4 years of experience which is conclusive of the risk of hearing loss which is directly proportional to the duration of exposure.