Organization: Hearwell
Title: HearWell Kids Pathway: From Communities to Classrooms: Early Hearing Care for Every Child in Osun.
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
HearWell Kids Pathway: From communities to classrooms: early hearing care for every child in Osun.
Description:
The 2026 World Hearing Day activity was held at the Department of Audiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State. The event brought together key stakeholders across the community and education sectors, reflecting the theme “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.” In attendance were audiology and otology experts, the King of Ila-Orangun, primary and secondary school students, teachers, and primary health care workers involved in school health services.
The program commenced with advocacy and awareness sessions emphasizing the prevention of avoidable childhood hearing loss and the importance of early identification and intervention. WHO World Hearing Day materials were utilized throughout the sessions to ensure alignment with global messaging and evidence-based recommendations.
A targeted capacity-building session was conducted for teachers, focusing on practical strategies to identify children with possible hearing difficulties within the classroom. Teachers were trained to recognize early warning signs such as inattentiveness, frequent requests for repetition, poor academic performance linked to listening challenges, and social withdrawal. Guidance was also provided on classroom accommodations and supportive communication strategies to create inclusive learning environments for children with hearing loss.
Primary health care workers received structured training on basic ear and hearing care, including prevention strategies, early detection at the community level, and safe ear practices. Importantly, clear referral pathways were outlined to ensure that children identified with potential hearing problems can access timely audiological and medical evaluation. This strengthened the link between schools, communities, and health facilities.
For pupils and students, interactive sessions were conducted to promote peer support and inclusion. Students were educated on how to accommodate and support classmates with hearing loss, including facing peers when speaking, reducing background noise, and avoiding stigma or discrimination. This component aimed to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and promote a supportive school culture.
The event concluded with structured hearing screening for participating pupils and students using appropriate portable screening tools. Identified cases requiring further evaluation were documented and scheduled for appropriate follow-up through established referral channels. This ensured that the activity moved beyond awareness to practical early identification and action.
Overall, the event successfully integrated advocacy, training, screening, and referral within a single coordinated platform, strengthening community-to-classroom hearing care in Ila-Orangun, osun state.
Primary site: AFR – Nigeria
Region: AFR
Secondary sites:Osun state.
Impactful Story:
Taiwo Oluferanmi, a 17-year-old boy born preterm with a history of neonatal jaundice, began experiencing hearing difficulties from early childhood. Despite clear signs, he was neither diagnosed nor treated, leading to delayed language and vocabulary development, reduced academic performance, and limited social participation. His challenges went unnoticed for years, affecting both his confidence and educational progress. During our World Hearing Day event, Taiwo was finally assessed and fitted with an appropriate hearing device. His story powerfully demonstrates the urgent need for early identification and timely intervention, ensuring that no child is left behind due to untreated ear and hearing problems.
General Photos
Building a kinder classroom together
Training the Frontline of Child Hearing Care
One Team. One Mission. Better Hearing.
Hope, care, and action captured in one frame
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: indigenous communities
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: Yes