Organization: MAR THOMA COLLEGE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Title: World Hearing Day 2026 awareness programme by Mar Thoma College included exhibition, awareness sessions & free hearing screening to promote ear care.
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
World Hearing Day 2026 awareness programme by Mar Thoma College included exhibition, awareness sessions, and free hearing screening to promote ear care.
Description:
In alignment with this global initiative, Mar Thoma College of Special Education, Institute of Speech and Hearing, Badiadka, Kasaragod, organized a series of awareness and outreach activities as part of the **World Hearing Day 2026 Awareness Programme**. The programme was conducted under the theme **“From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children,”** reflecting the World Health Organization’s commitment to making hearing care accessible to everyone.
The activities were organized in Badiadka and surrounding community areas. The main event was held on **04 March 2026**, while the overall programme was conducted from **01 March to 15 March 2026**. The initiative included several activities such as a public awareness exhibition, community outreach campaign, awareness sessions, school screening programmes, and a free audiological evaluation and ENT consultation camp. The programmes were implemented with the active participation of faculty members and students of the institute and targeted the general public, school children, teachers, and community healthcare workers.
The primary objective of the programme was to increase awareness regarding ear and hearing care among the community. The activities aimed to educate participants about the basic anatomy and physiology of hearing and speech, improve understanding of hearing loss and speech disorders, and provide information regarding available diagnostic and management options. The programme also encouraged individuals to undergo early hearing screening and audiological evaluation when hearing problems are suspected, while promoting preventive strategies to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
The World Hearing Day Awareness Programme and Exhibition was formally inaugurated on **04 March 2026** by **Shri. Anoop Krishna, Inspector of Police, Badiadka**. During his inaugural address, the chief guest emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding hearing health and highlighted the need for early detection and timely intervention for individuals experiencing hearing difficulties.
As part of the programme, a **community hearing awareness campaign** was conducted in local areas by students of the institute. Hearing health awareness notices were distributed, and information regarding prevention of hearing loss, early signs of hearing impairment, and the importance of seeking professional audiological consultation was shared with the public.
**public awareness exhibition** was organized on 04 March 2026 featuring posters and charts explaining ear anatomy and hearing mechanisms, along with displays related to speech and hearing disorders. Demonstrations of audiological assessment procedures were conducted to help visitors understand hearing evaluation. The exhibition also included information on hearing aids, rehabilitation options, and working models illustrating auditory functioning and hearing impairment.
As part of outreach activities, **hearing screening camps were conducted in schools** to identify children who may be at risk for hearing problems and to facilitate early referral and management. In addition, **awareness sessions were organized for school teachers**, focusing on early identification of hearing and speech difficulties in children and the importance of timely professional intervention.
The institute also participated in the **Aksharam Arogyam Campaign**, a health awareness initiative organized for school children, where hearing health education and screening activities were conducted as part of the programme.
Another major component of the initiative was the **Free Audiological Evaluation and ENT Consultation Camp**, conducted from 01 March to 15 March 2026. The camp provided hearing screening, comprehensive audiological evaluation, ENT consultation, counseling, and referral for further management.
Overall, programme benefited members of the general public, ASHA workers, school teachers, students, and community members. The activities significantly contributed to increasing awareness regarding ear and hearing health and encouraged early detection, timely intervention, and preventive hearing care practices within the community.
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
Secondary sites:KERALA STATE
General Photos
Exhibition on Speech & Hearing: Science and Social Awareness
Speech and hearing related Awareness class for public
Notice distribution
School Screening & Awareness; Part of Aksharam Arogyam prog.
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: No
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: ITI students (exposure to noise)
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: No