An 18-year-old student in eastern China suffered temporary hearing loss after prolonged exposure to cicada noise while camping, prompting medical experts to warn that natural sounds can pose the same risks as industrial noise.
The student, identified by the surname Wang, was camping in a forest in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, when he encountered a large chorus of cicadas around midday. He remained in the area for several hours until evening, when he began experiencing tinnitus and a sensation of fullness in both ears. As the insect noise subsided, Wang realized he could no longer hear birdsong or the notification sounds from his phone.
Alarmed, he sought immediate medical attention. An examination at Ningbo University No. 1 Affiliated Hospital revealed swelling in both ears. Dr. Li Ji, a senior physician in the otorhinolaryngology department, prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and ordered strict avoidance of loud environments for at least 14 days. Wang made a full recovery within two weeks.
Dr. Li emphasized that many people mistakenly assume sounds from nature are inherently safe. While a single cicada typically produces noise below 70 decibels, a dense chorus can exceed 85 decibels — the recognized threshold for potential hearing damage. According to Dr. Li, the hair cells in the cochlea can develop oedema, or fluid buildup, after relatively short exposure to such intensity. These cells usually recover with rest and removal from the noise source within one to two weeks.
However, the doctor cautioned that if the hair cells suffer necrosis, the damage is permanent and irreversible. Such cases require hearing aids for auditory assistance, as the cells cannot regenerate.
The incident highlights a gap in public awareness about noise-induced hearing loss. Environmental sounds — whether from wildlife, traffic, or recreational activities — can all contribute to auditory stress when intensity and duration surpass safe limits. Health authorities recommend using hearing protection in any sustained loud environment, regardless of the noise source.