Bengal's Dhakis: awareness and impact of long-term noise exposure

Abstract

Background: The hazards of occupational noise exposure among musicians are extensively studied globally, yet remain rare in the Indian setting, particularly for indigenous rural musicians like Bengal's Dhakis.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and objective impact of noise exposure in this community. Conducted in Hadal Narayanpur, Bankura in October 2023, the study included 168 male musicians working for more than five years. Data was collected via a one-to-one interview utilizing a pre-tested questionnaire. Screening audiometry was performed using a manually calibrated Android application.  

Results: The mean age of participants was 33.5 years. While 80.4% (n=135) believed prolonged loud noise exposure causes irreversible hearing loss, only 7.1% (n=12) had ever used hearing protection. Following intervention, 76.8% (n=129) expressed willingness to use protection. Subjectively, hearing difficulty was prevalent in 42.9% (n=72) and 78.6% (n=132) experienced tinnitus post-event. Objective screening audiometry revealed that 37.5% (n=63) had mild or greater hearing loss.

Conclusions: There is an alarming lack of awareness and severe underutilization of hearing protection among Dhakis. The high incidence of hearing impairment necessitates urgent public health interventions to provide inexpensive hearing protectors and preserve this culturally vital community's auditory health.