Awareness Lecture at GSVM Medical College Highlights Harmful Effects of Excessive Headphone Use

Kanpur: To raise awareness about the adverse health effects of prolonged and improper headphone use, the Department of Pathology at GSVM Medical College, in collaboration with the ENT Department, organized a special lecture on Tuesday. The event, held in the Undergraduate Lab, aimed to educate students and staff about the often-ignored health consequences associated with excessive use of headphones.

The program commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Mahendra Singh, Head of the Pathology Department. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Qazi Saqib, Assistant Professor in the Department of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), who shared valuable insights into the physiological and psychological impacts of headphone overuse.

During his address, Dr. Saqib elaborated on common issues faced by frequent headphone users, such as reduced hearing capacity, ear infections, psychological stress, sleep disorders, and increasing social withdrawal. He explained that the constant exposure to high-decibel sound through headphones could lead to irreversible hearing damage, particularly among youth who engage in long listening hours, often at unsafe volume levels.

Dr. Saqib emphasized the growing concern among ENT specialists regarding the rising number of young individuals experiencing early-onset hearing loss. He advocated for the mindful use of digital audio devices and encouraged the audience to adopt healthy listening habits. This includes limiting listening time, using noise-canceling headphones to avoid raising volume, and taking regular breaks.

The session also included an interactive Q&A segment, allowing attendees to present their queries and concerns related to headphone usage and ear health. This segment witnessed enthusiastic participation from both students and staff, indicating a growing interest in health literacy around digital lifestyle habits.

Prominent attendees included Dr. Neelima Verma, Dr. Vandana Mishra, Dr. Chayanika Kala, and Dr. Swapnil, along with several senior and junior residents and non-teaching staff members. The seminar created a platform for open dialogue between faculty and students on the importance of responsible technology use.

The lecture concluded with a collective commitment from the attendees to spread awareness among peers and family members about the silent yet severe effects of continuous headphone usage. Faculty members praised the initiative for addressing a modern health concern with long-term implications and encouraged similar sessions in the future.

In an era where digital consumption is at its peak, such awareness initiatives serve as timely reminders of the balance required between convenience and caution, especially when it comes to health.

Report by Sanjay Shukla