Mosque loudspeaker health concerns rise as Sri Lankan ENT specialists warn excessive volume may harm hearing, heart health and mental well-being.
Mosque loudspeaker health concerns have triggered a growing public debate in Sri Lanka after leading ENT specialists warned that excessive volume may be silently affecting communities.
A serious health concern has emerged as ear, nose and throat specialists raise alarm over the excessive use of loudspeakers in places of worship. In a collective medical appeal, doctors warned that high-volume mosque loudspeakers could contribute to long-term hearing damage, cardiovascular stress, and psychological strain. They have called for a more balanced approach to sound levels during religious activities.
The issue has gained attention in both medical and community circles, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where densely populated neighbourhoods are exposed to amplified sound several times a day. The concerns place Sri Lanka at the centre of a sensitive public health discussion, as rapid urbanisation and close residential living conditions make noise management increasingly important.
According to ENT specialists, prolonged exposure to sound levels above 60 to 70 decibels can gradually damage the auditory nerve, possibly leading to partial or permanent hearing loss. Medical experts explain that the human ear is not designed for long exposure to high-intensity sound. Repeated loudspeaker use can therefore cause cumulative damage over time, even when people do not immediately notice symptoms.
The doctors’ statement also points to wider health risks beyond hearing impairment. Studies referred to by specialists suggest that even a modest increase in environmental noise can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems. Research indicates that an increase of just 10 decibels in regular exposure may raise the risk of heart-related conditions by up to 12 percent. The link between noise pollution and heart health has become an increasingly important area in global medicine.
Beyond physical health, experts warn that persistent noise pollution can also affect mental well-being. High levels of unwanted sound are associated with stress, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Over time, these effects can lead to chronic fatigue, reduced concentration, and heightened anxiety. In crowded communities, where people are repeatedly exposed to amplified sound from several sources, the impact may become even stronger.
Medical professionals stress that religious spaces should remain places of peace, reflection, and spiritual focus. However, they argue that excessive loudspeaker volume can unintentionally disturb the concentration of worshippers, making it harder for individuals to engage fully in prayer and reflection. Their appeal says spirituality does not require high-intensity sound, but rather clarity, calmness, and meaningful engagement.
The concern has been formally raised by a group of respected ENT and head and neck surgeons. They include Dr. Manaff Sheriff of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Dr. Zaffrulla Wazeer of the National Hospital Kandy, Dr. Milhan Bahar of Apex Hospital Maharagama, Dr. Rizney Sakkaf of the District General Hospital Negombo, Dr. Akram Drahaman of the Army Hospital, and Dr. M. M. Mohamed of Wye Valley NHS Trust in the United Kingdom.
Their joint statement reflects a rare medical consensus on the public health implications of excessive sound exposure in religious settings.
The doctors’ appeal is addressed to mosque administrators, imams, and muezzins. It urges them to reconsider the volume levels of loudspeakers used during daily prayers and religious announcements. The specialists encourage reducing sound intensity to levels that remain audible but non-intrusive, allowing worshippers and nearby residents to experience a more comfortable sound environment.
In their message, the doctors also refer to religious teachings that emphasise moderation and restraint. They cite verses from sacred Islamic texts that encourage believers to lower their voices and avoid excessive loudness. One verse highlights the importance of moderating speech, while another advises maintaining a balanced tone during prayer, avoiding both extreme loudness and extreme softness.
These references are used to support the view that moderation in sound is consistent with spiritual principles as well as medical advice.
The debate over loudspeaker use is not new in South Asia, where religious sound systems are widely used across temples, churches, and mosques. However, the medical framing of the issue has added a new dimension to the discussion. It has shifted the matter from a purely cultural or religious debate to a wider public health concern.
Experts argue that the issue should not be seen as a restriction on religious practice. Instead, they present it as a call for responsible use of technology in shared urban environments.
Urban planners and public health observers say noise pollution is becoming an increasingly serious issue in fast-growing cities. As residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and places of worship exist close to one another, managing sound levels has become essential to protecting quality of life. In this context, Sri Lanka reflects broader global challenges faced by densely populated developing countries.
Medical experts also stress that modern sound technology makes it possible to achieve clarity without excessive volume. Proper speaker placement, directional sound systems, and calibrated volume controls can ensure that religious messages are clearly heard within designated areas without disturbing surrounding neighbourhoods.
They argue that adopting such measures could significantly reduce health risks while preserving religious practice.
Community reactions to the doctors’ appeal are expected to differ. Some may see the recommendations as a necessary step toward public health protection, while others may view them through cultural or religious sensitivities. However, health professionals emphasise that the intention is not to challenge religious traditions, but to raise awareness about the hidden medical consequences of prolonged noise exposure.
The statement ends with a strong call for cooperation between medical professionals, religious leaders, and community organisations. By working together, the doctors suggest, Sri Lanka can create an environment where faith practices and public health coexist without conflict.
SOURCE :- SRI LANKA GUARDIAN
