A growing health concern has emerged in Sri Lanka as leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists raise alarms over the excessive use of loudspeakers in places of worship. In a collective medical appeal, doctors have warned that the high volume of mosque loudspeakers may be contributing to long-term hearing damage, cardiovascular stress, and psychological strain, calling for a balanced approach to sound levels during religious activities.
The discussion has gained attention in both medical and community circles, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas where densely populated neighborhoods are exposed to amplified sound multiple times a day. The concerns specifically highlight Sri Lanka as a focal point where rapid urbanization and close residential living conditions make noise management a sensitive public health issue.
According to ENT specialists, prolonged exposure to sound levels exceeding 60 to 70 decibels can gradually damage the auditory nerve, potentially leading to partial or permanent hearing loss. Medical experts explain that the human ear is not designed for sustained exposure to high-intensity sound, and repeated loudspeaker use can create cumulative damage over time, even if individuals do not immediately notice symptoms.
The doctors’ statement also highlights broader health risks beyond hearing impairment. Studies referenced by specialists suggest that even a modest increase in environmental noise levels can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems. In particular, 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. This connection between noise pollution and heart health has become an increasingly studied area in global medicine.
Beyond physical health, experts warn that persistent noise pollution can significantly impact mental well-being. High levels of unwanted sound are associated with increased stress, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Over time, these effects can contribute to chronic fatigue, reduced concentration, and heightened anxiety. In densely populated communities, where individuals are repeatedly exposed to amplified sound from multiple sources, these effects can be even more pronounced.
Medical professionals emphasize that religious spaces should remain places of peace, reflection and spiritual focus. However, they argue that excessive loudspeaker volume can unintentionally disrupt worshippers’ concentration, making it more difficult for individuals to engage fully in prayer and reflection. The appeal stresses that spirituality does not require high intensity sound, but rather clarity, calmness and meaningful engagement.
The concern has been formally expressed by a group of respected ENT and head and neck surgeons, including 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, urging them to reconsider the volume levels of loudspeakers used during daily prayers and religious announcements. The statement encourages a reduction in sound intensity to levels that remain audible but non-intrusive, allowing both worshippers and nearby residents to experience a more comfortable auditory environment.
In their message, the specialists refer to religious teachings that emphasize 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 argument that moderation in sound aligns 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, shifting it from a purely cultural or religious debate to a broader public health concern. Experts argue that the issue should not be seen as a restriction on religious practice, but rather as a call for responsible use of technology in shared urban environments.
Urban planners and public health observers note that noise pollution is becoming an increasingly important issue in rapidly growing cities. As residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and places of worship exist in close proximity, managing sound levels has become essential to maintaining quality of life. In this context, Sri Lanka serves as a microcosm of 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 affecting surrounding neighborhoods. They argue that adopting such measures could significantly reduce health risks while preserving religious practice.
Community reactions to the doctors’ appeal are expected to vary. While some may view the recommendations as a necessary step toward public health protection, others may interpret them through cultural or religious sensitivities. However, health professionals emphasize that the intention is not to challenge religious traditions but to promote awareness of the hidden medical consequences of prolonged noise exposure.
The statement concludes with a strong appeal for cooperation between medical professionals, religious leaders, and community organizations. By working together, they suggest, it is possible to create an environment where faith practices and public health coexist without conflict.
