Organization: Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences
Title: From Communities to Schools at Coorg– Hearing Care for All Children
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
From communities to schools at Coorg – hearing care for all children
Description:
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS), observed World Hearing Day on March 3, 2026, with a series of impactful activities aimed at creating awareness about hearing health and the importance of early detection and prevention of hearing loss.
This year’s theme, “From communities to classrooms: Hearing care for every child,” emphasized the need to integrate hearing care into community and school health systems to ensure that no child is left behind due to preventable or undiagnosed hearing impairment.
Street Play and Awareness Rally
The program commenced at 9:00 AM with an engaging street play at Raja’s Seat. Through a powerful and relatable performance, MBBS Phase II students highlighted the consequences of neglecting ear health, unsafe listening practices, and delayed medical consultation. The act successfully captured the attention of tourists and local residents, effectively spreading the message of hearing care.
This was followed by an awareness rally by MBBS Phase III Part 1 & part 2 students, with faculty from Raja’s Seat to the hospital premises. Students, interns, faculty members, and healthcare staff participated enthusiastically, carrying placards and raising slogans that promoted safe listening habits and the importance of regular hearing check-ups.
Stage Program and Expert Addresses
The concluding stage program was held at the hospital auditorium. The program began with an introduction to the significance of World Hearing Day by Dr. Pooja, Postgraduate student in ENT, followed by an invocation. The dignitaries participated in the watering of the plant ceremony, symbolizing the collective commitment to nurturing children’s hearing health. In his address, Dr. Lokesh emphasized preventive measures such as avoiding prolonged use of earphones at high volumes and seeking timely medical attention for ear-related complaints. Dr. Sathish Kumar highlighted the importance of strengthening hearing screening initiatives at the district level. Dr. Nanjundaiah spoke about the significance of newborn hearing screening and early rehabilitation. Dr.Abhinandan highlighted the need for protecting the ears & preserving hearing. Dr. Shwetha, Professor and Head of the Department of ENT, emphasized that hearing health is an integral component of overall wellbeing and must be supported through preventive care, early screening, and sustained community awareness. She also encouraged medical professionals and students to practice healthy living, stating that promoting wellness is as important as treating disease, as health is the greatest wealth.
Competitions and Prize Distribution
As part of the awareness initiative, poster-making and meme-making competitions were conducted for students. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners, recognizing their thoughtful creativity in spreading awareness about hearing care.
The celebration successfully reinforced the message that hearing health is essential to a child’s development, learning, and overall quality of life, and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting ear and hearing care within the community.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Secondary sites:None
General Photos
World Hearing Day Awareness Rally by KoIMS Staff & Students
World Hearing Day – Meme making competition
World Hearing Day – Awareness Street play
Hand-made Poster by Darshan, KoIMS MBBS student
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: No
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: children and adolescents, rural or remote population
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: No