Organization: KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University)
Title: World Hearing day at KSHEMA
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day at KSHEMA
Description:
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University observed World Hearing Day with a special inaugural program on 5th March 2026 at Chintana Hall, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangalore.
Mr. Anand Kumar, Executive Director, MRPL (Ltd), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Dr.) M. S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University) presided over the function. The event was also attended by Prof. (Dr.) B. Sandeep Rai, Dean, KS Hegde Medical Academy; Prof. Dr. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice President (ISR & CRL), Nitte DU; Dr. Maheswari Singh, Environmental Officer, KSPCB; and Prof. (Dr.) G. Srinikethan, Retired Dean, NITK Surathkal, as the Guests of Honour.
On this occasion, the department highlighted the success of “Project Nishabda”, an awareness initiative on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. The highlight of this project is to raise awareness of noise pollution and to conduct hearing assessments in the high-risk population. Screening camps were organized for people at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, like traffic police, drivers , conductors, and yakshagaana artists, to educate them on how to prevent further hearing deterioration. They were also advised about the rehabilitation measures whenever necessary.
The project also included school health education to educate children about noise pollution, so they can raise awareness in their families and among elders. A few organizations also joined hands with this noble cause. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board supported the program between 2021 and 2022, educating approximately 4,000 students. Then, in 2024, MRPL(ltd) came forward to support organizing this program in 100 schools. A total of 11236 students were educated during 2025 and 2026. Doctors from the department visited the school, spoke to the students about noise pollution and noise-induced hearing loss, and then led an interactive session to clear any doubts. Following this, a questionnaire was given to the students, and their parents answered it. Feedback was collected from the students about the change. The program had a significant impact on the students and their parents alike.
The program aimed to further create awareness about hearing health, early detection of hearing loss, and the importance of timely intervention. Faculty members, students, and healthcare professionals enthusiastically participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of protecting hearing and promoting ear care in the community.
The event was organized under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Rajeshwary A, as the Organizing Chairman and Dr. Shravan Alva, the Organizing Secretary, and Prof. (Dr.) Vadisha Bhat, Head of the Department of ENT.
Dr. Neema, senior resident of the department of ENT, conducted the program.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Impactful Story:
The Department of ENT, KS Hegde Medical Academy, has been conducting the project “NISHABDA” since 2003, under the leadership of Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, former Vice chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University) who was heading the department of ENT at that time. The highlight of this project is to raise awareness of noise pollution and to conduct hearing assessments in the high-risk population. Screening camps were organized for people at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, like traffic police, drivers , conductors, and yakshagaana artists, to educate them on how to prevent further hearing deterioration, rehabilitation measures whenever necessary.
General Photos
Inauguration of the World hearing day 2026
Speeech by the Chied guest Mr Anand
Sddress by the Vice presidet Dr satheesh Kymar Bhandary
Certificate to participant school
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: No
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: No
Special needs populations: children and adolescents
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: Yes
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: No