The last week of September is held as the international week of the deaf to bring awareness in the society about people with hearing impairment, their problems and about the means to prevent deafness, Kulkarni said.

There are various problems related to deafness, but there isn't enough awareness about it in the society. Firstly, deaf people aren't identifiable as are other handicaps. Moreover, one doesn't become deaf overnight but when exposed to noise pollution over a period of time. So people don't take it seriously.

Kulkarni added that the excessive use of mobile phones with loud volume and continuous listening to music through walkmans and MP3 players have led to hearing complaints from younger generation.

There are three ways for tackling these issues: government regulation to reduce noise pollution, general awareness in society and personal care that people should take to avoid hearing problems, Kulkarni said.