Organization: Vinayaka Mission Medical College and Hospital Campus, Karaikal
Title: From Communities to Classroom at Karaikal: Hearing care for all children!
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
From communities to classroom: hearing care for all children!
Description:
On the occasion of World Hearing Day 2026, a series of impactful activities were organized in alignment with the theme, with the objective of creating awareness about aural health, early identification of hearing problems, and the importance of aural hygiene among school students and the community. The programme witnessed active participation from students, school teachers, and faculty members, ensuring effective educational outreach and community engagement.
A key component of the initiative was a comprehensive hearing screening programme conducted for students from 5th to 9th standard. A total of 50 students underwent screening to identify potential hearing difficulties at an early stage. Students were subjected to ENT evaluation and assessed using standard audiological procedures. Those identified with possible concerns were guided for further evaluation and management. This initiative reinforced the critical role of early identification in minimizing the adverse effects of hearing impairment and promoting better academic outcomes.
In addition to screening, awareness activities played a vital role in educating students about hearing health. A skit was performed by BASLP first-year students from the Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, School of Rehabilitation and Behavioral Sciences, Vinayaka Mission’s Medical College and Hospital Campus, Karaikal. The skit was presented in two schools and focused on important aspects of aural care, hygiene, and prevention of hearing loss, particularly within school environments.
The performance highlighted several harmful practices and misconceptions related to hearing health. It depicted the risks associated with prolonged use of headphones at high volume levels, showing how continuous exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing damage. Another segment addressed the misconception of using oil as a remedy for ear problems, emphasizing the importance of seeking appropriate medical consultation. The skit also illustrated the dangers of inserting inanimate objects such as pencils or sticks into the ear, which can result in injury and infections. A significant portion portrayed the challenges faced by a hearing-impaired student in a classroom setting, including difficulty in understanding lessons and lack of awareness among peers. This segment emphasized the importance of empathy, inclusion, and supportive behaviour from classmates and teachers. Through engaging storytelling, the skit effectively communicated the significance of protecting hearing health and adopting safe listening practices.
The awareness programme benefited approximately 200 students and 10 teachers, enhancing their understanding of healthy ear practices and encouraging preventive measures in daily life. Teachers were also sensitized to identify early signs of hearing difficulties among students, enabling timely referral and intervention within the educational setting.
To further promote student involvement and creativity, reel and e-poster competitions were conducted among BASLP first-year students, focusing on the World Hearing Day 2026 theme. Participants presented innovative and informative content reflecting their understanding of hearing health and prevention. Additionally, a skit competition was organized, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents while reinforcing key awareness messages. Performances were evaluated based on creativity, clarity, and relevance to the theme.
An important highlight of the programme was an awareness talk delivered by the NPPCD Nodal Officer, Karaikal. The session emphasized preventive strategies, early screening, and the importance of public awareness in reducing the burden of hearing loss, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The programme concluded with the distribution of awards recognizing the efforts, creativity, and active participation of students. Overall, the World Hearing Day 2026 activities were successful in spreading awareness, promoting early identification, and encouraging preventive practices among school children and future professionals, highlighting the importance of community-based programmes in building a healthier and more informed society.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Impactful Story:
As the Headmaster, I found the World Hearing Day 2026 skit highly informative and engaging for our students. It improved their understanding of hearing problems and highlighted the importance of early identification, prevention, and regular check-ups. Students became more aware of avoiding loud noise, using hearing aids, and supporting individuals with hearing difficulties. They clearly understood that early care can prevent hearing loss in children. The skit also emphasized the risks of harmful traditional practices. Overall, students demonstrated increased awareness, confidence in identifying hearing issues, and willingness to adopt healthy hearing habits and share this knowledge with others.
General Photos
Group photo of students with completed WHD 2026 activities
ENT and Audiological screening conducted for school students
Awareness talk on WHD 2026 theme by NPPCD Nodal Officer.
Skit on WHD 2026 theme performed for 200 school students.
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: No
Social media: No
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, indigenous communities, rural or remote population
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No