Sound Horeg noise effects trigger hearing loss

Jakarta (ANTARA) - ENT-Neurotology Specialist Dr Fikri Mirza Putranto has stated that exposure to ‘sound horeg’ audio can trigger hearing loss issues.

“Based on research, one in four people exposed to sound levels equivalent to sound horeg for one hour can be identified as experiencing significant hearing loss,” Fikri told ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.

Fikri explained that the decline begins at frequencies outside the range of human communication, meaning communication disturbances may only be detectable at least five years after consistent exposure.

“The initial symptoms that appear are tinnitus and difficulty communicating in crowded places. This effect will be even greater in the ears of children and the elderly,” said Fictri, who is also a lecturer at the Ear, Nose, and Throat - Head and Neck Surgery Medical Staff Group at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Universitas Indonesia Hospital.

‘Sound horeg’ refers to parades conducted by groups of people playing music through loud speaker systems mounted on pickups or trucks, which then travel through residential areas or main roads. This phenomenon has become widespread in several regions, such as East Java.

Fikri noted that sound horeg falls into the category of extreme loud noise, as the sound levels produced can reach more than 110 decibels (dB) at a distance of 1 metre from the loudspeaker.

Based on the type of equipment used, Fikri continued, sound horeg is estimated to operate within a frequency range of 30–70 Hz.

Fikri stated that the combination of frequency and sound intensity produced does not only stimulate the auditory organs but also affects balance.

Furthermore, Fikri added that protective measures against exposure to sound horeg noise include the necessity for government policy.

Previously, Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Eka Widodo, urged the government to implement a national ban on sound horeg activities following the deaths of three citizens in several incidents related to these activities in East Java.

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian stated on Tuesday (15/9) that the government is reviewing the drafting of regulations regarding the operation of sound horeg. In this regard, the government will assess the permissible noise levels or decibels for the use of loudspeakers.

“What are the limits, for example, the decibel level of sound that is allowed. If there is a certain decibel level that can disturb health, then we will prohibit it,” he said.