DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Health & Science

China Student Suffers Temporary Hearing Loss After Prolonged Cicada Exposure

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • An 18-year-old student in China experienced temporary hearing loss after four hours of exposure to cicada buzzing while camping.
  • Health experts warn that the collective sound of cicadas, especially during peak summer heat, can reach 85-100 decibels, potentially causing hearing damage.
  • Individuals living in noisy areas or those with pre-existing ear conditions should take precautions like using earplugs or soundproofing.

The familiar summer sound of cicadas can pose a significant risk to hearing, as highlighted by a recent case in China's Zhejiang province. An 18-year-old student suffered temporary hearing loss after enduring the insects' buzzing for four consecutive hours while camping in the mountains.

a single male cicada produces a sound of about 70 decibels at close range – a level that does not pose a risk to human hearing.

— Diao TongxiangExplaining the sound level of an individual cicada.

This incident brings attention to the potential dangers of cicada noise pollution. While a single male cicada's sound is typically harmless at close range, the combined chorus of a swarm can reach alarming levels. Experts note that during peak summer heat, the collective buzzing can reach 85 decibels, comparable to a handheld drill, and in some cases, up to 100 decibels.

the collective chorus of a cicada cluster, especially around noon during the peak of summer heat, can reach volumes comparable to that of a handheld drill, measuring around 85 decibels, and in some cases, as high as 100 decibels.

— Diao TongxiangDescribing the potential volume of cicada swarms.

International safety standards set the limit for workplace noise exposure at 85 decibels for up to eight hours daily. Prolonged exposure to cicada noise exceeding this threshold, even for shorter durations, can lead to hearing impairment. While temporary hearing loss may resolve on its own, continuous exposure to high decibel levels carries the risk of permanent damage.

the severity of hearing damage caused by cicada buzzing depends on both the duration of exposure and the intensity of the noise.

— Diao TongxiangExplaining factors influencing hearing damage from cicada noise.

Certain individuals are advised to take extra precautions. This includes residents in areas with persistent nighttime insect noise, those spending extended periods in cicada-heavy woodlands or parks, and people with a history of sudden deafness, inner ear disorders, or chronic conditions like diabetes. Medical professionals suggest measures such as improving room soundproofing, using soft earplugs, and seeking medical attention if symptoms like ear fullness, persistent tinnitus, or hearing loss occur.

certain groups should take extra precautions against loud cicada chirping.

— Zhu XiaoyanAdvising specific groups to be cautious of cicada noise.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog