Chinese student suffers temporary hearing loss after 4 hours of cicada noise while camping

An 18-year-old Chinese student, known as Yang, experienced temporary hearing loss following four hours of exposure to cicada noise while camping in an eastern Chinese forest in early July. The incident gained significant traction on social media, with 4.5 million views, as many believed natural sounds were harmless to human health.

According to Shandian News, Yang's village in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, was situated in a forest where he remained exposed to the incessant cicada drone without any protective measures. In the evening, he noticed his ears were swollen and struggled to hear high-pitched sounds, such as birdsong or phone alerts. Yang was subsequently diagnosed with temporary hearing impairment due to noise exposure, but his hearing returned to normal after 14 days of medical treatment and avoiding further noise, as reported by Ningbo University No 1 Affiliated Hospital.

Senior otorhinolaryngology doctor Li Ji explained that although a single cicada produces sound at 70 decibels, a group of cicadas can generate noise exceeding 85 decibels – the level where noise-induced hearing damage begins. He noted that the hair cells in the cochlea can swell due to the irritation from loud noises, typically recovering after a 1-2 week rest from the noisy environment.

However, if the hair cells are necrotic, they cannot regenerate, resulting in permanent and irreversible hearing impairment that may require the use of hearing aids.

Li cited a case of a 60-year-old gardener, Liu, who has been pruning trees daily for the past 12 years, exposing him to intense cicada noise for extended periods. Liu reported experiencing ringing in his ears and difficulty hearing women's voices or low-toned conversations, ultimately developing permanent hearing impairment due to noise exposure.

The story resonated with many on mainland social media, with users expressing surprise at the health risks associated with natural sounds and humorously remarking on the prevalence of hearing loss among rural elderly residents.