Organization: Karthikeyan P, Secretary, AOI, Puducherry chapter
Title: World hearing day 2026 celebration at Pondicherry
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day 2026 celebration at Pondicherry
Description:
Implementation of Proposed Activities:
The activities conducted during the World Hearing Day 2026 campaign were aligned with the objectives outlined in the proposal submitted under the WHO World Hearing Day Small Grants Programme. The initiative integrated advocacy, hearing screening, school and community-based awareness programmes, and capacity-building sessions to promote early identification and prevention of childhood hearing loss.
The programmes were conducted across schools, special institutions, healthcare settings, and community spaces in Puducherry and surrounding regions, ensuring outreach to both urban and peri-urban populations.
These sessions focused on:
• Early warning signs of hearing loss in children
• Preventable causes of hearing impairment
• Safe listening practices and noise exposure
• Importance of early medical consultation and hearing screening
• Identify children who may require further audiological evaluation
Activities Conducted in Relation to Proposed Plan:
Awareness programmes were conducted in multiple schools and child-care institutions to educate students, teachers, and caregivers about hearing health. Interactive sessions, demonstrations, and discussions were conducted to enhance engagement and understanding among participants.
Institutions covered included:
• Oasis Trust and School for Special Children, Cuddalore
• Bhavani CBSE School, Cuddalore
• Sathya Special School, Seliamedu
• ASR Nursery and Primary School, Cuddalore
• SOS Children’s Village, Puducherry
As part of the initiative, each participating institution was also presented with a “Hearing Friendly School” certificate in recognition of their commitment to promoting hearing health awareness among children. Hearing screening was conducted during outreach programmes in schools and special institutions to facilitate early identification of children with possible hearing impairment.
An awareness and training session was conducted for pediatricians and healthcare professionals at MGMCRI focusing on:
• Early detection of childhood hearing loss
• Neonatal hearing screening practices that are routinely followed
• Referral pathways for audiological evaluation
This session strengthened collaboration between ENT specialists and pediatric healthcare providers for early identification and management of hearing impairment.
A public awareness programme was conducted at MGMCRI Hospital on World Hearing Day (3 March 2026), including expert talks by ENT faculty on:
• Enlightening the significance of why March 3rd every year is celebrated as World hearing day
• Early identification of hearing loss
• Responsible earphone usage and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss
• Importance of neonatal hearing screening
• Overview of outreach programmes conducted as part of the campaign
The programme was attended by more than 500 patients, caregivers, hospital visitors, and healthcare professionals, helping extend hearing health advocacy to the broader community.
To expand the reach of the campaign, awareness messages and activity highlights were disseminated through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram
Target Groups Reached:
The initiative successfully reached a diverse audience including:
• School-age children
• Adolescents and young adults
• Parents and teachers
• Children with hearing disabilities
• Pediatricians and healthcare professionals
• Community members
The multi-sectoral approach ensured engagement of both educational and healthcare stakeholders in childhood hearing care.
Estimated Reach of population in different activities:
Children screened in schools and special institutions: 450–550
Parents and teachers awareness sessions: 100–120
Adolescents awareness programmes: 150–200
Pediatricians and healthcare professionals: 120–150
Community outreach participants: 150–180
Radio/media audience (estimated): 2500-3000
Use of WHO World Hearing Day Materials
The activities incorporated WHO World Hearing Day educational resources and key messages, including:
• Awareness materials related to childhood hearing loss
• Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss
• Early detection and referral messages
These resources helped ensure alignment with global hearing health advocacy efforts.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Secondary sites:Pondicherry, India
Impactful Story:
I am Naresh from Sathya Special School, Seliamedu. The hearing awareness and screening program organised by AOI, Puducherry chapter along with ENT department, MGMCRI was highly informative and beneficial for both students and staff. We were able to identify students with undiagnosed ear and hearing problems through this program and facilitate early treatment. The games and sessions conducted with prize distribution for the students also motivated them to participate actively. We sincerely thank Dr. Karthikeyan P, Dr. Kishen Khanna, Dr. Akshaya and their entire ENT team for organising this meaningful and impactful awareness camp.
General Photos
Public awareness programme conducted in MGMCRI hospital
Screening and awareness program in Oasis trust and school
Screening and awareness program in Bhavani CBSE School
Screening and awareness program in ASR nursery school
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, older adults, rural or remote population
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: No
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No