TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Currently, the East Java Government is still formulating regulations on the use of sound horeg as a follow-up to numerous complaints from the public regarding excessive audio disturbances that affect hearing.
Firstly, what is a sound horeg? It is a phrase used to describe extremely loud mobile sound systems. These setups often feature towering stacks of handcrafted speakers, thunderous subwoofers, and music played long into the night. They are usually used in religious processions, secular celebrations, street parades, and weddings.
Cholil Nafis, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) Central of the Propagation and Brotherhood Department, stated that the consideration of sound horeg is prohibited because it causes disturbance to the sense of hearing and even affects ill individuals. The East Java MUI has issued Fatwa Number 1 of 2025 concerning the use of sound horeg on July 9, 2025.
The human hearing has a limit in responding to sound waves, frequencies, as well as intensities. Several other habits are also prone to causing ear disturbances, here is the list:
1. Spending Too Much Time in High-Noise Environment
Working in a high-noise environment requires the use of ear protection such as ear muffs or ear plugs. Failure to use them can accelerate the damage to the auditory nerve due to continuous exposure to loud noises. Workers who spend too much time in those environments and not using ear protection are proven to experience hearing impairments faster compared to those who habitually use them correctly, according to a scientific paper titled 'Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss on Field Operator Compressor House Area'.
2. Prolonged Use of Earphones
Prolonged use of earphones with high volume can damage the delicate hair cells inside the cochlea, which are responsible for the hearing process. This damage is permanent and reduces the ability to hear gradually. Therefore, it is important to limit the duration of earphone usage and maintain the sound volume at a safe level.
3. Ear Cleaning
Deep ear cleaning is a risky habit. The use of unsuitable objects can injure the ear canal, resulting in infection, irritation, and hearing function disturbances.
The use of objects such as pins, hair clips, or the tip of a towel to clean the ears should be avoided. This habit can injure the ear canal and risk damaging the eardrum. Ear injuries can provide a way for bacteria and fungus to cause infections.
4. Suppressing Sneezes
Forcing oneself to suppress a sneeze can cause excessive pressure on the eustachian tube that connects the nose and ears. This pressure can cause discomfort, pain, or middle ear disturbances. If done repeatedly, this habit can damage the eardrum and disrupt hearing function.
5. Excessive Ear Cleaning
Cleaning the ears without understanding the natural function of earwax can be harmful to ear health. Pushing earwax too deeply can block the ear canal, trigger infections, and reduce the ability to hear. Hearing impairments occur due to improper ear cleaning habits.
Safe Sound Intensity Limits
The World Health Organization (WHO) in the paper 'Addressing the Rising Prevalence of
Hearing Loss' states that the safe limit of sound exposure for daily activities should not exceed 70 decibels. If it exceeds this level, reaching 85 decibels for more than 8 hours a day poses a risk to hearing impairments.
Loud noises from heavy traffic, industrial equipment, and high-volume music from earphones are examples of noise sources. Excessive exposure to such noises can damage the delicate hair cells inside the cochlea, the inner ear part responsible for capturing sound vibrations. If these cells are damaged, hearing ability can decline and cannot be restored with regular treatment.
Loud environmental noise causes sleep disturbances and reduces concentration, especially if it occurs at night.
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