In recent years, the Department of Otolaryngology at PGIMER Chandigarh has noticed a troubling trend: a surge in cases of speech delays among children and hearing disorders in young adults aged 15–30. Spearheaded by Professor Sanjay Munjab, the department sheds light on the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to electronic devices, particularly mobile phones, tablets, and gaming gadgets.
Professor Munjal, with a wealth of experience in otolaryngology, emphasized the concerning rise in children presenting delayed speech development and limited language skills. He attributes this phenomenon to the pervasive use of gadgets, which offer one-way communication, devoid of the essential interactive elements crucial for language acquisition. As children immerse themselves in screens for hours on end, social interactions diminish, hindering their linguistic growth and predisposing them to developmental disorders like autism.
The repercussions of excessive screen time extend beyond speech delays. The department has observed a distressing increase in hearing disorders and hearing loss among adolescents and young adults. Long hours spent on mobile phones and prolonged headphone usage are identified as the primary culprits. Dr Munjal underscores the adverse impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by devices, causing tissue damage and exacerbating conditions like tinnitus. Unfortunately, many patients seek medical intervention only after irreversible damage has occurred, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.
Also Read: Chandigarh Gets Innovative For Better Lok Sabha Voting
To mitigate these issues, Dr. Munjal advocates for greater parental vigilance and awareness of early signs and symptoms, particularly among children aged one to six. Encouraging meaningful human interaction and limiting gadget exposure to no more than an hour are essential steps in fostering healthy speech development. Additionally, the department offers a range of therapeutic interventions, including speech stimulation, to address existing speech delays.
Addressing the alarming rise in hearing disorders, Dr Munjal highlighted the importance of responsible gadget use. He advised against prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds, recommending adherence to safe listening guidelines to prevent irreversible hearing damage.
