OCCUPATIONAL HEARING HAZARDS - AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON BADHIRYA

Occupational hearing hazards are a major yet often neglected public health concern, particularly among individuals working in industries with prolonged exposure to excessive noise, pressure variations, water immersion, and ototoxic chemicals. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational disorders and is characterized by gradual, irreversible sensorineural hearing impairment resulting from damage to cochlear hair cells. Ayurveda considers hearing as the function of shrotrendriya, with karna being a vata sthana, and attributes hearing disorders to mithyayoga of shabdendriya, leading to vata-kapha dushti and impairment of shabdavaha srotas, ultimately resulting in Badhirya. Modern preventive measures such as engineering controls, administrative interventions, hearing protection devices, periodic audiological screening, and hearing conservation programs are essential in reducing occupational hearing loss. Ayurvedic management emphasizes nidana parivarjana, snehana, swedana, nasya, karna purana, basti, rasayana therapy, and adherence to dinacharya and sadvritta to maintain auditory health, pacify aggravated vata, and prevent disease progression. early identification of temporary hearing changes, prompt intervention, and lifestyle modifications are crucial to preventing permanent auditory damage. The present review integrates contemporary concepts of occupational hearing hazards with classical Ayurvedic principles to provide a comprehensive understanding of their etiopathogenesis, prevention, and management.