Most truckers suffer hearing loss: Study
Published in the Jan–Feb 2025 issue of Noise & Health, the study was conducted by Anupam Mehrotra (AKTU), Sheo P. Shukla (Rajkiya Engineering College Banda), and Prof Manish K. Manar (KGMU).
The team tested the hearing of 200 male long-distance truck drivers from Lucknow using pure tone audiometry. Results showed 50.5% had hearing loss in their better ear. The right ear was more affected in 73.5% of cases (147 drivers), 14% (28) had loss in both ears, and 12.5% (25) in the left ear.
"This may be because the right ear is closer to the window while driving," said Prof Manar of KGMU's community medicine department.
At 4000 Hz—typically the first frequency affected by Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)—abnormal thresholds were found in 84% of right ears.
Lead author Anupam Mehrotra explained that normal hearing ranges from 0 to 25 decibels (dB). Lead author Anupam Mehrotra explained that normal hearing ranges from 0 to 25 decibels (dB).
"The average threshold was 32.61 dB in the right ear and 28.66 dB in the left—both above the normal range," Prof Manar added.
Risk factors included poor sleep, longer driving experience, and age. Drivers sleeping less than six hours or with over 10 years of experience had more damage. Those above 40 had age-related compounding effects. "Lifestyle habits like poor sleep and alcohol use increase vulnerability," said researcher Arvind K Shukla.
While past Indian studies focused on car or auto-rickshaw drivers, truckers—who endure prolonged noise—remain under-researched. "This is among the first major studies on hearing loss in Indian truck drivers," said Mehrotra. "We hope it encourages action from transport companies and health authorities."
The team recommended regular hearing check-ups, use of earplugs or noise-cancelling devices, awareness drives, and better working conditions to reduce fatigue. "Our truck drivers are the backbone of the economy," Mehrotra added. "Protecting their hearing is vital for their well-being and the nation's functioning."
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