Excessive noise stimulation can trigger bodily stress
A neurology specialist at the Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD), Brigadier General TNI (Ret.) Dr Sholihul Muhibbi, Sp.N., M.Si.Med, stated that excessive noise stimulation can induce a bodily stress reaction via the nervous system, leading to indirect health disturbances.
“Excessive noise stimulation can trigger a stress reaction in the body, which is responded to by the autonomic nervous system that regulates everything from heart rate to cortisol hormones, potentially causing both short-term and long-term disruptions,” Sholihul told ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to Sholihul, exposure to high-level noise, such as that from loudspeakers, can also directly result in damage to the auditory nerves.
Sholihul noted that such exposure can damage the hearing nerves, initially causing impairment in high frequencies, which, if prolonged, will lead to impairment in medium and low frequencies.
Previously, the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, explained that the government will review the permissible noise levels or decibels for the use of loudspeakers.
“We are looking at what the limits should be, for example, the decibel level allowed. If there is a certain decibels level that can disturb health, then we will prohibit it,” said Tito.
Tito stated that such prohibitions could be implemented through Laws or subordinate regulations. He also opened the possibility of issuing ministerial-level regulations if specific regulations governing the issue do not yet exist.
In this regard, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian is reviewing the drafting of regulations related to the use of ‘sound horeg’ alongside several relevant agencies, including the National Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
‘Sound horeg’ refers to parades conducted by groups of people playing music through loud speakers mounted on pickups or trucks, which then travel through residential areas or main roads. The ‘sound horeg’ phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent in several regions, such as East Java.